A TREATISE 



ON THE= 



i 



! Diseases of the Horse 



Including a Complete System of Taming 
and Training Wild and Vicious Horses. 



i 



By DR. D. A. HOLMES, 

Columbus, - - - ' - Georgia. 



i 
i 



Copyright, 1903 

By Dr. D. A. HOLMES, 

Columbus, Ga. 



>—e 



A TREATISE 

ON THE 

Diseases of the Horse 

Dr. D. A. HOLMES, 

Columbus, - • - - Georgia. 



Bunion! fb. Hi-ABcCV 



COLUMBUS, CiA. 
PRESS OF C. P. SPRINGER & COMPANY 
190K \' ' ' • * ■' 




AUTHOR'S PREFACE. 

My only excuse or apology for offering to the public 
this little volume, is the fact that among all the works 
upon this subject, I know of none that gives, in a con- 
densed and comprehensive form, the information that is 
really of benefit to the masses of horse owners But in 
this it is the object of the author to give a concise, and, 
at the same time, authentic and scientific treatise on rte 
causes, symptoms and treatment of the diseases of the 
horse-a treatise that will be stripped, as far as possible, 
of technical terms-a work that will not require the 
ordinary reader to have a medical dictionary at hand in 
order to comprehend its meaning, and at the same time 
it is calculated to be a safeguard to the purchaser of 
horses, by placing in his hands, the knowledge by which 
he W1 11 be enabled to detect the fraudulent tricks of the 
ti avehng cheat-a knowledge that should be in the hands 
of very citizen who ever deals in horse flesh, either as a 
buyer or trader. 



.6 



J± TREATISE 

ON THE 

Diseases of the Horse. 



PULSE. 



In order for the non-professional man to understand 
the signs of disease, it is necessary to know something of 
the condition in health, as it is the contrast between t^e 
normal and the abnormal condition, that points out the 
nature and extent of the trouble. 

The beating of the pulse is simply the passing of the 
blood through the arteries and may be felt anywhere 
an artery crosses a bone near the surface ; but the one 
most convenient of access is the submaxillary where it 
passes around the inner side of the lower jaw-bone. It 
may be readily found by placing the index finger cross- 
wise of the bone and giving it a slight movement when 
the artery will be feit rolling under the finger like a 
cord, and the pulsation can be easily detected The aver- 
age number of beats in a minute in the healthy a dill t 
horse, is about forty, but it differs in individuals. It is 
faster in the young than the old. In the foal it may be 
three times as rap-ci as in the adult. Fiom six months 
to one year, about double, and in the two year old, about 
one-fourth faster. The pulse is also somewhat affected 
in its frequency by the disposition of the individual an- 
imal. It is faster m the nervous, excitable animal than in 



the one of dull, plethoric, habit. In fact, there may be 
a latitude in frequency of from thirty-six to forty-five and 
still be commmensurate with health. By slow pulse we 
mean the number or beats in a minute are less than nor- 
mal ; by quick or frequent pulse, the opposite. A full 
strong or large pulse means that the volume or quantity 
of blood is greater than usual and imparts a bounding 
sensation to the ringer and is usually more frequent than 
normal — will usually be noticed immediately following 
work or undue exercise or excitement, or it may indicate 
a diseased condition of the general system, or of the 
lungs. A small pulse conveys the opposite sensation 
to the touch; is generally due to exhaustion from disease 
or work. A wedk pulse is one that is hardly perceptible 
to the touch and may be due to general depression from 
-different causes, such as long, continued illness, lack of 
Proper nourishment, excessive loss of blood, etc.; or it 
-may indicate organic lesion of the heart. 

Hard or wiry pulse is tense, vibrating, incompressible, 
usually indicates acute disease of some serous mem- 
brane — always present in peritonitis, pleurisy, menenqi- 
tis, etc.; is alway'5 more frequent than in normal condi- 
tion. An irregular pirlse is one where the heart beats 
regularly for several beats and then ceases for a period. 
It is indicative of disease of the heart or nervous system. 

When a beat is omitted at regular intervals, it is called 
an intermittent pulse, and almost invariably points to 
disease of the heart. When the pulsations may be seen 
along the sides of the neck along the line of the jugular 
vein at each beat of the heart, it is called venous pulse, 
and usuallv denotes some obstruction to the flow of the 



■blood within the chest ; due to dropsy or pressure of 
tumors, or it may be some lesion of the heart. 

TEMPERATURE. 

It is also very necessary to know something about 
the temperature of the horse in health, in order to utilize 
it as a diagnostic sign in the treatment of disease. The 
temperature of the horse in health may range from 98 3-5 
to 101 degrees F., the average being about 99 degrees F. 
By long experience and close observation one may be 
quite adept at ascertaining if fever be present by intro- 
ducing the finger into the mouth and noticing the differ- 
ence in the degree of heat in the mouth of the healthy 
and the one with fever; but the only safe way to arrive 
at anything like an accurate knowledge of it, is by intro- 
ducing into :he rectum a registered clinical thermometer. 
Use a self-registering instrument, as the mercury would 
be likely to drop down before you could read it accurate- 
ly. Be sure the mercury is below the normal point (viz., 
98 3-5 degrees F.) before introducing. Allow it to remain 
from three to five minutes, according to the make. A 
little Practice will enable almost any one to read it, and 
thus detect the presence, or absence, of fever. There are 
various circumstances causing a variation in the tempera- 
ture of the healthy subject. For instance, a high sur- 
rounding temperature will increase it and a cold one will 
decrease it. Exercise will increase it ; drinking cold 
water will decrease it. It is higher during the process of 
digeston than otherwise. It is higher in the young than 
in the old. It is higher in the female than in the male. 
Thus we see there are numerous phases to keep in mind, 



in our efforts to read the different signs and arrive st 
a proper solution of the problem. 

RESPIRATION— BREATHING. 

Must also be taken into consideration in summing up 
our evidence of the true condition of our patient. When 
at perfect rest and in good health, the horse breathes 
from twelve co fifteen times per minute, but exercise or 
excitement increases the number, or frequency of respi- 
rations. The act of respiration is also influenced in dif- 
ferent ways and degrees by disease, according to its na- 
ture, but these variations are described under the heads 
of the diseases which they indicate and need not be men- 
tioned further here. 

DISEASES OF THE MOUTH. 

Tooth Ache.— Is the result of decaying or otherwise 
defective teeth. 

Symptoms. — When eating, the horse suddenly stops 
chewing, holds the head to one side, opens the ja w s as if 
in great pain. He is also observed to do the same thing 
when drinking cold water. 

Treatment. — Consists in extraction of the offending 
tooth. This requires the services of a Veterinary Sur- 
geon. 

PTYLAISM OR SALIVATION. 

Causes. — Any irritating substances taken into the 
mouth, as caustics, mercury and some other medicines in 
too great quantities. Also irregular teeth and some of 
the grasses, especially white clover or second crop of 
red clover. 



Symptoms. — Profuse discharge of saliva from the 
mouth. 

Treatment. — If from any irritating matter or from too 
free use of mercury, syringe out two or three times a 
day with a solution of chlorate of potash, half ounce to 
one pint of water, or use the glycerite of tannin with 
a mop three times a day. If the trouble arises from irreg- 
ular teeth, they must be floated (an operation that will 
be explained under the head of surgical operations). If 
from the pasturage, change it. 

PHARYNGITIS. 

Is an inflamation of the mucuous lining of the back 
part of the mouth. 

Symptoms. — Are a slight elevation of temperature. 
The act of swallowing is accomplished with much diffi- 
culty and is usually attended with a fit of coughing, espe- 
cially when swallowing liquids — profuse flow of saliva. 

Treatment. — Same as for Ptyalism, when produced by 
irrritants. 

PARALYSIS OF THE PHARYNX. 

Produces total inability to swallow either food or 
water. The flow of saliva is excessive. Temperature 
and circulation nearly normal in the beginning. The 
animal tries continually to eat or drink, but both food and 
water return through the nostrils. An examination fails 
to reveal any ostruction, only a flabby and relaxed con- 
dition of all the tissues. The victim assumes an anxious 
and haggard appearance, the eyes are dull; and unless 
we are enabled to restore tone and vigor to the organ, 
he wastes rapidly away and death soon relieves the suf- 
ferer. 



Treatment.— Is of doubtful utility in the majority of 
cases ; but should it be attempted we get the best re- 
sults from sulphate of strychnine in two grain doses', 
night and morning, the strychnine being decidedly the 
best anti-paralytic we have in veterinary practice and 
the best means of adm nistration is by hypodermic in- 
jection, provided it can be done by a competent veterina- 
rian. If this can be done, inject deeply into the pharynx;: 
if not, dissolve the specified dose in an ounce of water 
by heating, 'then throw well back in throat with an ordi- 
nary hard rubber syringe. Also use some astringent 
solution in throat four or five times a day — blister exter- 
nally. 

Electricity properly used is also indicated. 

Abscesses sometimes occur in the Pharynx, often af- 
fecting the respirat'on. Should we be able to feel the 
abscess through the mouth it must be lanced by a sur- 
geon ; but if not, then hasten the process by hot poultices 
and fomentations. 

DISEASES OF THE OESOPHAGUS (Gullet). 

The diseases to which this organ is liable are very few,, 
except those resulting from forcing down the throat, irri- 
tating medicmes or from attempts of the animal to swal- 
low too greedily or some object so large that it becomes, 
lodged somewhere between the Pharynx and the orifice, 
opening into the stomach. Symptoms in the former are 
slight increase of temperature and symptoms of pain in 
swallowing. 

Treatment. — Frequently gargle the throat with one 
pint of water, in which one-half ounce chlorate of potash 



has been dissolved ; use as drench, being careful not to 
raise the head too high, as this is liable to produce intense 
pain. 

The result of the latter, what is known as choking, 
is more frequent in horses that are greedy eaters and 
bolt their food, or, in other words, attempt to swallow 
it without chewing and mixing thoroughly with the sali- 
vary secretions. 

The symptoms depend in a large measure upon the 
location of the offending body. Should it be in the upper 
portion of the Oesophagus or near the Pharynx, it is 
known as Pharyngeal choke, or more commonly high 
choke. In this the symptoms are indicative of great 
distress, breathing greatly accelerated, persistent cough- 
ing, profuse flow of saliva, the body bathed in perspira- 
tion, trembling and violent stamping of the fore feet, 
rapid swelling or distention of the abdomen. By outward 
manipulation of the Oesophagus, especially on the left 
side, we are generally enabled to feel the obstruction 
and usually by the introduction of the hand into the 
mouth we may reach it with the fingers. 

In Cervical choke the object may be lodged anywhere 
between the Pharynx and the shoulder, and may be de- 
termined with certainty by outward manipulation, as it 
can be plainly felt and usually seen. The abdomen is 
usually more or less distended, the animal will occasion- 
ally draw himself up and arch the neck, every muscle 
and tendon seeming to be drawn to its utmost tension, 
sometimes uttering a distressing cry, as if in severe pain, 
although not so intense as in the pharyngeal form. 
Water poured into the Oesophagus will be seen to dis- 



IO 

tend it above the obstruction. Should the obseruction bt 
still lower it is known as Thoracic Choke, and is known 
by the food and water being ejected through the nose 
and mouth. We sometimes hear the cry of distress no- 
ticed in cervical choke. Also symptoms of distress and 
tympanitic condition of abdomen, but should we not be 
fully decided as to the trouble we may determine posi- 
tively by the introduction of the probang into the Oeso- 
phagus. 

Treatment. — If we find Pharyngeal Choke we must 
first place in the animal's mouth some kind of a gag or 
speculum to protect the hand and arm of the operator. 
Then introduce the hand as far back in the mouth as pos- 
sible, pulling the tongue well out of the mouth, and at 
the same time an assistant should outwardly manipulate 
the object, pushing it forward with all his power, and in 
this way try to bring it within reach of the hand within 
the mouth, so it may be grasped and withdrawn. Should 
success not crown our first efforts, we must not be dis- 
couraged, but persist until we are satisfied further efforts 
are useless. Failing removal by the mouth, from the fact 
of the object being too low to be reached, we should di- 
rect our efforts to move it up and down by manipulation 
gently applied, and should we be successful in moving 
either way, if only very little, then introduce into the 
throat an ounce or two of the' following mixture with a 
syringe every half hour. We may confidentlv look for 
its total spontaneous disappearance : 

R. Cloral Hydrate, Fluid extract of Belladonna and 
tincture of Gelsemin, of each one ounce, Olive Oil one 
pint. 



II 

This will relax the walls of the Oesophagus and 
lubricate at the same time. It is well -also to rub 
externally along- the line of the Oesophagus the same 
mixture, only substituting Ether or Chloroform for the 
Oil, applying the whole length. Should these be impos 
sibles of access, use thick warm soapsuds internally. In 
( ervical Choke use the same remedial agents, and should 
the impaction be of dry food, ilie mass must, if possible, 
be broken up by gentle outward manipulation and the 
use of the fluids. If the Oesophagus be filled with water 
or other fluid, it is likely to produce a violent paroxysm of 
coughing, which greatly aids in the dissolution of the 
mass. Sometimes we find choke to be caused by the 
forcible entry jf an egg (with the shell entire) into the 
throat by some ignorant groom. In such a case, pierce 
the shell in Hvo or three places with a needle introduced 
through the walls of the Oesophagus, then crush it by 
applying gentle pressure on either side, and it will be 
at once passed on to the stomach and the symptoms im- 
mediately subside. 

In Thoracic Choke, of course we cannot do anything 
toward the disintegration of the mass by outward ma- 
nipulation, therefore, have to rely on lubrication and dila- 
tation very largely, using the same remedies as in the 
previous cases, but should these means fail we will then 
have recourse to the probang, which must be done with 
caution. Also the opertaion of Oesophagotomy, to 
which we are forced to resort in Cervical Choke when 
all other means fail ; but this operation should never be 
resorted to until all other means have been exhausted, 



12 

as the wound in the Oesophagus is sometimes exceeding- 
ly difficult to heal, and, in fact, sometimes impossible : 
and should the process be perfect it is liable to produce 
stricture of the walls, which generally results in dilata- 
tion immediately above the stricture. We frequently 
meet with stricture resulting from the administration of 
corrosive and irritating medicines, tumors, etc. Ani- 
mals so affected should never be fed on dry food, but 
upon sloppy substances, which may be swallowed with 
little difficulty. Dilatation of the Oesophagus as previ- 
ously stated is the result of dry food lodging against a 
stricture. 

Symptoms. — Are about the same as in choking, appear- 
ing only when eating dry substances. 

Treatment. — Is of such doubtful utility as to seldom 
justify us in the attempt, especially if the stricture and 
consequent dilatation be in the Thoracic extremity of the 
Oesophagus, but should the reader deem it expedient 
-to treat it when Cervical he may do so by opening tissues 
over the line of the dilatation, then take up enough of the 
sack the full length of the dilated portion and reduce its 
diameter to normal size by the use of fine cat-gut, inter- 
rupted sutures very close, make thoroughly antiseptic, 
then 1 bring the wound in skin and tissues together by 
metalic sutures ; treat with antiseptic lotions and Iodo- 
form for ten days, feeding on gruel or other soft feed in 
the meantime. At the expiration of this time the parts 
of the walls of Oesophagus brought in contact by the 
sutures will have united and the sutures will have been 
absorbed, but when commencing to give solid food we 
must support the parts until nature repairs the broken- 



13 

down tissues, and we can best do this by making- a stiff 
but soft pad to fit nicely on either side of the neck against 
the affected parts, and held in place by elastic tape fas- 
tened to the pad on either side and fastened around the 
neck. But if more pressure is needed, it may be supplied 
by a steel spring in the shape of a bull ring with the ends 
attached to either side of the pad and the round side be- 
low the neck. 

DISEASES OF THE STOMACH. 

Indigestion without engorgement results from various 
causes, such as disease and irregularity of the teeth, and 
consequent insufficient mastication; unwholesome food, 
from irregular feeding, also from a predisposed debility 
of the stomach itself. And in the foal, it is induced by 
allowing it to suckle when the dam is in a heated and 
feverish condition. Also by draughts of cold milk. 

Symptoms. — Loss of appetite, excessive thirst, an in- 
clination to eat dirt and filth. The skin becomes tight, 
dry and scurfy; bowels more or less irregular, but in 
dined to constipation. If caused by imperfect mastica- 
tion, whole grains of oats or corn will be seen in the 
excrement. Sometimes a dry cough is present; irregn 
larity of pulse, symptoms of colic are sometimes man: 
fested an hour or two after food has been partaken of. 
And occasionally staggering gait. In the foal diarrhoea 
is generally present, and is sometimes the result of 
dentition. 

Treatment. — If due to diseased or irregular teeth, rem- 
edy the defect by some of the various dental operations 
described under their proper heads. And if due to de- 



14 

bility of the stomach, and diarrhoea be not present, give 
six or seven drams of aloes for the adult horse, and 
follow with suitable doses of vegetable bitters and tonics. 
I find good results are obtained from the administration 
of tincture of gentian, half ounce, tincture nux vomica, 
one dram ; and one tablespoonful of bi carbonate of soda 
twice a day. But should this fail, give one to two drams 
dilute nitromuriatic acid in one pint water twice a day, 
being very careful to dilute it well, as it is a corrosve 
poison. An engorged or impacted condition of the 
stomach, is due to repletion of the organ with solid food ; 
usually given when the animal is suffering the pangs of 
hunger, and he greedily swallows his food without proper 
mastication. Often this condition of distention continues 
until the muscular fibres become paralyzed, and some- 
times ruptured, and are unable to contract upon the 
contents. 

Symptoms. — Engorgement, when unaccompanied by 
tympanitis, or gaseous swelling, occasons but little local 
pain ; but gives rise to symptoms of cerebral (brain) trou- 
ble, causing the animal to stagger like a drunken man. 
And on this account, it is generally known as stomach 
staggers. Soon after eating, he becomes drowsy. Slight 
but continual symptoms of colic are manifest, the head is 
carried extended and near the ground, the dullness in- 
creases, eyes partially closed, vision affected. He now 
becomes apparently unconscious of his acts, he presses 
his nose and head against the wall, or any object with 
which he comes in contact; he paws or rears, respiration 
is less than normal, pulse slow. He grows from bad to 
worse until he becomes frantic or delirious ; cold clammy 



15 

pcrspira+ion breaks out on him, he tumbles violently, a 
sour saliva is emitted from the mouth, he plunges wildly, 
or staggers from side to side until relieved by treatment, 
or death. We must be very particular to learn the history 
of the case, or we may confound this disease, with the 
diseases known as mad or blind staggers. (Meningitis.) 

Treatment. — Bleed from the jugular vein, three to six 
quarts, to relieve the cerebral symptoms. Give a ball 
composed of one ounce of Barbadoes Aloes ; and half 
ounce of capsicum or Jamaica ginger; repeat the capsi- 
cum or ginger two or three times a day. When en- 
gorgement is accompanied by typanitis, or distention 
by gas, it is usually due to partaking too freely of tender 
succulent herbage; or by giving an extra allowance of 
grain immediately prior to starting on a long or fatigu- 
ing journey. After traveling a short distance, he grows 
stupid, pays no attention to the whip, perspires freely, is 
disteneded over the posterior or back ribs, and in the 
flanks. A hollow sound will be produced, if he be tapped, 
with the ends of the fingers over the flank. He attempts 
to lie down. As in the other case, the head is carried 
low, and nose extended, eructations of fermented food, 
pain continuous, peculiar metalic sound will be noticed 
if the ear be placed to the wind pipe. 

Treatment. — One and one-half, to two grains each jf 
cserine and pilocarpine, hypodennically, followed twice 
daily, with one grain pilocarpine administered in the 
same way. If ths cannot be obtained, give aloes (Bar- 
badoes), one ounce; carbonate of ammonia, half ounce 
every two hours. 



i6 

I also advise the early use of the trochar and canula 
to evacuate the gas or flatus from the intestines, espe> 
cially from the colons. Care must be exercised that the 
animal does not throw himself down violently, on hard 
ground, as there exists great danger of rupture of the 
stomach. Supply abundance of bedding. 

Gastritis. — Inflamation of the stomach, seldom occurs 
in the horse, except by the administration of some very 
irrirtating or' corrosive poisom 

Symptoms. — Pawing with fore feet, and more espe- 
cially the left one; more or less fullness of the abdo- 
men, attempts at vomition; occasionally, saliva will be 
discharged rather profusely fro'm the mouth, eructations 
or belching of gas, symptoms of colic, trembling of the 
muscles, especially those in the region of the left shoul- 
der, partial sweats bedew the body. Should inflamat'on 
be the result of bichloride of mercury (corrosive subli- 
mate) the symptoms are manifestations of great pain 
and uneasiness, the animal frequently getting up and 
lying down, the extremities cold and mouth hot, the abdo- 
men distended, the excrements mixed with mucus, pro 
fuse discharge of saliva, nausea and purging, great pros- 
tration and convulsions, or delirium. When the direct 
result of arsenic (arsenious acid), the symptoms are 
about the same, except the discharge of saliva is less 
profuse, and more foetid. 

Treatment. — When produced by bichloride of mer- 
cury; albumen, (white of eggs) opium in full doses, lin- 
seed oil, flax seed tea, or slippery elm. If by arsenic or 
any of its compounds — magnesia, chalk, albumen, hy- 
drated sesquioxide of iron. 



17 
RUPTURE OF THE STOMACH. 

Symptoms. — Profuse perspiration, sudden tremor of 
fore extremities ; in some cases the left fore limb will be 
extended ; strength failing, resp : ration labored, head 
turnned round to the flanks. Sometimes symptoms of 
vomiting, during which the head is depressed, the chin 
being brought in contact with the sternum or breat by 
the spasmodic contraction of the inferior or lower cervi 
acl muscles; and in some cases food is ejected from the 
mouth and nostrils ; this act of vomiting is of great value 
to us in diagnosing the trouble ; yet it is not positive in 
its significance, for the act of vomition is sometimes the 
result of rupture of the colon, or other inestine, but in 
such cases the extremities are not so extremely cold. 
The same thing may occur in dilatation of the oesopha- 
gus, so we must not be too hasty in our diagnosis, but 
must acquaint ourselves with the history of the case, if 
possible ; but should it exist in connection with other 
symptoms ennumerated, the pulse being small, quick and 
thready, and growing continually more frequent and 
feeble, until it becomes imperceptible, then it is of value 
as a diagnostic symptom. We do not always find disten- 
tion of the abdomen, in connection with rupture of tin- 
stomach ; but on the contrary, it appears drawn and 
smaller, than usual, the abdominal muscles being rigi 1 
from tonic spasm; and as we stated before, when vom- 
iting accompanies these symptoms, rupture undoubtedly 
exists. Another fact remains that may further enabL- 
us to come to a correct diagnosis, should we still be in 
doubt ; all medicines administered for the purpose of 
alleviating the agony only increases it, due probably 



i8 

to the fact that it .escapes into the peritoneal cavity. The 
stomachs of very old horses are quite liable to rupture, 
from degeneration of their walls. 

Treatment. — Is useless ; and after we are fully satisfied 
that rupture certainly exists, it becomes our duty to 
relieve the sufferer by at once ending its existence. 

BOTS (LARVAE OF THE GAD FLY, OR ESTRUS 

EQUI.) 

The gad fly is too well known to need any descrip- 
tion ; their eggs are deposited on the hair of the horse 
while at pasture, late in summer and early autumn. In- 
stinct seeming to lead the insect to deposit its eggs with- 
in easy access of the mouth of the horse; the points 
mostly sought being the inner parts of the front legs, and 
especially about the knees ; the base of the neck and 
shoulders, and whenever, from any cause, the animal 
licks these parts, and any of the ova or eggs adhere to 
the tongue, they are hatched by the moisture and he.it 
of the tongue, and are carried into the stomach with 
food and water, where they attach themselves to the 
cuticular portion of the stomach, by means of two large 
cephalic, or head hooks, where they remain about eight 
months, when they voluntarily detach themselves and 
are carried away with the excrement. They bury them- 
selves in the ground to perfect their development of the 
perfect fly. But we have not the space here to follow 
their history further; we are of the opinion that they 
rarely cause any serious trouble, although they may, at 
times, accumulate, in such vast numbers, as to cause un- 
thriftiness of coat, causing it to turn forward. They 



19 

may, also possibly cause other stomach troubles, and 
should they re-attach themselves to the mucous mem- 
brane of the intestines in their passage, they might pro- 
duce intestinal irritation and colic symptoms, but as 
these are points upon which authorities widely differ, and 
as we know of no medicine that would kill them without 
killing- the horse, we had far better allow nature to rid 
the animal of them in her own way, which she will event- 
ually do, if we allow her the opportunity. In the mean- 
time, it is essential to look well to furnishing generous 
and nutritious diet, and if necessary, give some good 
tonic and keep the digestive organs in a healthy condi- 
tion ; and trust nature, the great healer, for the result. 

DISEASES OF THE BOWELS. 

Indigestion. — While the stomach, or small intestines 
are the principal seat of indigestion, we find various 
causes, such as improper food, defective teeth, bolting the 
food, inactive liver. 

Symptoms. — Irregular appetite, sometimes ravenous, 
then refusing all food; there is a disposition to eat dirt, 
excrement, soiled bedding, etc. The animal rapidly loses 
flesh, his skin is drawn, hide bound, coat rough and 
staring, grain passes whole and undigested, the hay in 
impacted masses, frequent discharge of flatus of a dis- 
agreeable or sour smell. 

Treatment. — Same as laid down under head of indi- 
gestion without engorgement of the stomach. 

COLIC— SPASMODIC. 

A spasmodic contraction of the muscular coats of the 
intestines; it is due to improper food, irregular feeding, 



20 

giving full feed after long fasting and overwork, bolting 
the food, feeding grain, or giving cold water when hot ; 
driving trrough cold water when in a heated condition. 
Colicky pains are also frequently the result of abscesses 
of the mesentery, concretions, or intussusception. 

Symptoms. — Are sudden pain, pawing, kicking at the 
belly with the hind feet, looking round at the flanks, 
lying down, rolling, suddenly jumping up and seeming 
to be free from pain for a short time, when the attack 
will return ; sometimes with increased severity, and 
sometimes the symptoms are more or less abated ; the 
symptoms recur time after time, until the animal is either 
relieved, or succumbs to pain and exhaustion, and in some 
cases enteritis, or inflamation of the intestines is the re- 
sult, and that usually means death. It may be located 
either in the small, or larger intestines ; during the spasm 
of pain, the pulse r'ses in frequency, is full and hard, 
but upon the subsidence of the paroxysm it resumes its 
normal condition ; the respiration is also more or less 
accelerated during the spasm ; at the commencement of 
the attack there is frequent evacuations of small quanti- 
ties of faeces, sometimes soft and at others the reverse : 
there is also frequent attempts to urinate, but owing 
to spasmodic contraction of the neck of the bladder, the 
efforts are ineffectual ; but upon any permanent degree of 
relief, the difficulty is relieved by relaxaton of that organ. 
as well as others ; and free urination may be considered 
a good indication of permanent relief. 

Treatment. — If the spasms be severe, the first care 
must be to relieve first, and remove the cause later; and 
the remedies are numerous. Give hypodermically one 



21 

grain each of eserine and pilocarpine, repeat the pilo- 
carpine in two hours- if necessary ; sustain the patient by 
one-fourth grain nitro glycerine every three or four 
hours; or the mtra trachael injection of fluid extract of 
lobilia instead of the eserine and pilocarpine. In fact, 
anything that is anti-spasmodic and anodyne in its action, 
but I will not perplex the reader with any but the best 
and surest. I find nothing better or more sure than one 
ounce chloral hydrate wrapped in soft paper and placed 
back of the root of the tongue and turned loose ; as the 
animal cannot get rid of it after it passes that point; be 
careful that the paper is not broken in the administration, 
as the chloral is very irritating to the mouth; repeat in 
one hour, if necessary. Or the following is excellent : 
Camphorated tincture of opium (paregoric), two ounces, 
spirits of nitre, one and one-half ounces, tincture of capsi- 
cum two drachms, tincture of aconite root thirty drops, 
mix and give at one dose; repeat in one hour if not re- 
lieved, but leave out the aconite. In miscellaneous form- 
ulas will b found several, all of which are good ; but there 
being a strong probability that the trouble arises from 
the presence of undigested food, or other irritating sub- 
stance within the intestines, the rational thing to do, is 
to get rid of it, and for this purpose there is nothing better 
than, from six to eight drams of Barbadoes aloes, given 
as as pill or ball ; give in the same way as the chloral. 

COLIC— FLATULENT. 

Is the result of indigestion from various causes, among 
which are change of diet, innutritious and unwholesome 
food, food given while the animal is exhausted from over- 
exertion and long fasting, large quantities of green food, 



22 

new hay, new oats and new corn, too much exertion while 
the stomach is full, or any other cause that interferes 
with the digestive process. 

Symptoms. — Unlike spasmodic colic, the pain is con- 
tinuous, but at first not so severe as in the former, the 
horse is dull, paws occasionally, he may, or may not, i it- 
down, the abdomen is more or less swollen, and by per- 
cussion, or tapping with the ends of the fingers, high 
up in the flank, a hollow or drum-like sound will be emii' 
ted. As the disease progresses, the breathing becomes 
difficult, the lips retracted, the extremities cold, twitch- 
ing, or more properly trembling of the muscles of the fore 
limbs, and if relief be not very prompt, death will soon 
relieve the sufferer. 

Treatment. — If the distention be very great, relieve it 
as soon as possible by the use of the trochar and cannula, 
then give the same treatment as for spasmodic colic, or 
give three or fcir drachms carbonate of ammonia wrap- 
ped in soft paper every half hour until relieved ; the ad- 
vantage of the chloral in this trouble is, that while it 
relieves pain, it also acts as an anti- ferment ; should the 
distention be moderate, I do not advise the use of the 
trochar. 

IMPACTION OF THE COLON AND CAECUM. 

Is the result of abundant feeding of hay and other food 
containing large quantities of woody fibre, and the over- 
feeding of dry grain, and especially of rye. 

Symptoms. — Slight abdominal pain, the abdomen full, 
but little if any distention by gas ; the pain may disappear 
for a day, or more, only to return with greater violence; 



23 

the contents of the bowels are passed more frequently. 
but the quantity is diminished and is dry and hard; the 
horse occasionally paws and looks round at his sides, 
walks about, backs up against the wall and presses hard 
against it with the tail; he soon lies down and stretche.s 
out to his full length, he will occasionally raise the head, 
and look at the flank, he will lie in this position ten or 
fifteen minutes, when the same maneuvers are repeated, 
if the attendant attempts to introduce the hand into the 
rectum, the animal will strain violently to expel it; like- 
wise, if he attempts the administration of an enema. The 
1 towels have now ceased to move at all, and if this con- 
dition be not soon relieved, the pulse becomes rapid and 
feeble, which, up to this time, has been but little changed 
from the first, it then being full and sluggish. 
Treatment. — 

Give at one dose, one pound epsom salts, com- 
mon table salt, half pound, croton oil fifteen drops, mix 
all together and dissolve in one or two quarts of warm 
water, and give as a drench. Keep water constantly be- 
fore him, give half ounce tincture belladonna and two 
drachms tincture mix vomica every four hours; give an 
enema of warm water and soap, turpentine or glycerine 
every hour. 

CONSTIPATION. 

In adult horses, is usually the result of long contin- 
ued diet of dry or innutritions food, lack of water supply, 
lack of exericse, or deficient intestinal secretions, some- 
times accompanied with symptoms of colic. When colic 
symptoms are present, give a cathartic of Barbadoes 
aloes, six to eight drachms and two to three drachms pul- 



24 

verized ginger root, made into a ball, and follow twice a 
day with one drachm tincture capsicum in one pint of 
water, for two or three days ; if no colic symptoms are 
present, give bran mashes and other laxative diet for a 
few days, or until the difficulty is removed; then give 
generous diet of nutritious, easily digested food 
should the secretions of the intestines be deficient, give 
from one to three drachms extract belladonna every four 
of five hours, with daily doses of four ounces sulphate of 
magnesia (epsom salts). Should the trouble occur with 
the sucking foal give frequent enemas of warm soap- 
suds, and, if necessary, three to four ounces castor oil. 

GASTRIC CONCRETIONS— STONE (OR CALCU- 
LI) IN THE STOMACH. 
Causes. — 

The accumulation of calcareous and other for- 
eign substances in the stomach. 
Symptoms. — 

Occasional symptoms of colic ; at times the 
symptoms of engorged stomach, sometimes constipation ; 
at others the reverse, the animal, at times sits upon the 
haunches, in fatal cases the symptoms are those of ob- 
struction, followed by those of inflamation. 
Treatment. — 

Is usually of little avail, and should consist of 
an oleaginous cathartic, and anodyne, such as raw linseed 
oil one quart and chloral hydrate, one ounce ; but do not 
be sanguine of relief, for it is extremely doubtful. 

INTESTINAL CONCRETIONS. 

. .Causes, Symptoms and Treatment. — 

Same as for concretions of the stomach; the 



25 

result is usually, sooner or later, fatal, and furthermore 
! am of the opinion that there are no positive diagnostic 
symptoms of gastric, or intestinal concretion during life; 
neither for intussusception (or invagination) of the 
towels or volvulus, twisting, or tieing of the intestines. 

INTUSSUSCEPTION OR INVAGINATION. 

Consists of one portion of the intestine becoming in- 
vaginated, or slipped into the part immediately contigu- 
c us to it. 

Causes. — 

Spasm of the bowel from cole, enteritis, etc.; 
also from paralysis of a portion of the intestine when the 
peristaltic action causes the paralyzed portion to be in- 
vaginated, or swallowed up, by the portion immediately 
behind it, strangulation of the part is frequent; should 
the complication exist in the small intestines, the case 
will invariably terminate fatally; but should the colon, 
or caecum be involved, recovery is barely possible, in a 
very small ratio of cases; before recovery from intussus- 
e< ption is possible, the opposing peritoneal surfaces must 
become adherent and the strangulated portion be sepa- 
rated by ulceration or sloughing. 

Symptoms. — 

Severe pain, restlessness, in some cases ap- 
proaching frenzy, rearing, rolling on the back, crouching, 
sitting on the haunches, profuse perspiration, anxious 
countenance, abdomen normal size, at first, but usually 
becomes fuller and sometimes greatly distended, accord- 
ing to the location of the lesion, pulse feeble, but fre- 
quent ; as death approaches, the extremities become cold, 
the animal looks back from side to side, finally, just prior 



26 

to the culmination, there is freedom from pain, sighing, 
or snorting, and death has relieved the sufferer. 
Treatment. — 

Some authors advocate cathartics, but I am of 
the opinion that more harm than good is accomplished 
hy their administration ; I prefer anodyne and antispas- 
modic treatment — full and frequent doses of opium, sul- 
phuric ether, chloral hydrate, etc. 

VOLVULUS— OR GUT TIE. 

Is often the result of the violent manner in which the 
animal throws himself upon the ground, when suffering 
from spasmodic colic. 

Symptoms and Treatment. — 

Are the same as for intussusception. 

ENTERITIS— INFLAMATION OF THE INTES- 
TINES. 

An inflamatory disease of the intestines; is confined to 
no particular portion, but may be present in any portion 
of the canal ; it is very rapid and almost universally fatal 
in its action. 

Causes- 
It may result from various causes ; among 
which, are, drinking large draughts of cold water when 
fatigued and over-heated, driving through cold water, or 
washing all over when in the same condition ; from the 
administration of irrritant or corrosive poisons, unwhole- 
some food — intussusception, volvulus, the presence of 
calculi, etc. 

Symptoms.— 

Are, first, some degree of constitutional dis- 



27 

turbance, accelerated breathing, frequent but small dis- 
charges of faeces, rigors and general depression, pulse 
hard and rapid, often eighty to one hundred and twenty 
per minute; temperature one hundred and three to one 
hundred and five degrees F. ; the membranes of the nose 
mouth and eyes red and congested, the tongue dry and 
contracted; occasionally of a brownish color; abdominal 
pains are continuous, the abdomen tender upon pressure ; 
it no distention be present, will seem to be drawn and 
smaller than natural. As the symptoms of depression 
give way to those of excitement and pain, the animal 
walks about his stall, paws, lies down carefully and gen- 
erally turns on his back by the side of a wall, or other 
object, and remains in this position for some time; he 
turns the eyes anxiously to the flanks, the countenance 
assumes an anxious expression, he blows and pants with 
agony, perspiration is profuse, the pain is continuous. 
He will sometimes stand with the head in a corner and 
paw for hours at a time, with one or both fore feet alter- 
nately; as the disease advances; the pulse becomes 
thready and almost imperceptible ; the animal groans 
with agony, the perspiration increases, the skin being al- 
ternately hot and cold, the legs and ears cold, the pupils 
of the eyes dilated and expressive of dilirium ; he may 
walk about incessantly, or throw himself about violently. 
Then he will stand quiet and seem to be balancing him- 
self ; the legs suddenly give way and he may fall and die 
after a few struggles, or suddenly all symptoms of pain 
may subside, the breathing becomes less excited, he 
stands quietly and evinces a desire to partake of food and 
drink ; but the haggard expression never for a moment 
leaves the countenance, the pulse continues thready and 



28 

almost imperceptible, the abdomen becomes distended, 
cold sweats bedew the whole body, the mouth and breath 
are cold, the latter foetid, the lips hang pendulous, the 
eyes more dilated, the legs and ears become, if possible, 
more cold than before, he trembles incessantly and death 
comes to the relief of the sufferer. 
Treatment. — 

While I consider the success of treatment very 
doubtful, of course it is our duty to alleviate the suffering 
as much as possible. All treatment must be calculated to 
soothe and quiet the inflamation as much, as possible, 
and in most cases to prevent movement of the bowels, 
as there is danger of rupture of the blood vessels of the 
inflamed portion, or even of the intestine, if we induce 
extra peristaltic action of the portions in front of it, by 
the administration of cathartics and the consequent forc- 
ing of faeces to that part, which cannot be stimulated 
sufficiently to carry them further. We have nothing 
better than opium and its compounds for the purpose 
of allaying intestinal inflamation and irritation ; give the 
animal three to four drachms powdered opium every 
three or four hours, in connection with one dram extract 
belladonna. Or, give hypodermically, forty grains chlo- 
ral hydrate, and five grains sulphate of morphine every 
hour; and in addition to the latter, give in the same way 
one-half grain of atropia every four hours; apply hot 
fomentations continually to the belly, if possible, but if 
the animal is so restless that it is not practical, apply 
one ounce croton oil and four ounces linseed oil mixed; 
if this cannot be had, rub a paste of mustard well into 
the skin of the abdomen. Thirty drops carbolic acid 



29 

made into a ball with linseed meal and mucilage, or creo- 
lin, one drachm, in one ounce glycerine every three 
hours, will materially assist in checking the tendency to 
gangrene and consequent certainty of fatality. Could 
the true character of the trouble be discovered early, and 
the pulse be moderately full and there be no depression, 
the abstraction of a quantity of blood, commensurate with 
the strength of the vital powers, will sometimes be fol- 
lowed by abatement of the symptoms ; of course if the 
trouble be due to the previous existence of concretions, 
volvulus or intussusception, the treatment must be gov- 
erned by that fact and circumstance. If there be some 
abatement of the symptoms within three or four hours 
trom the commmencement of the attack, if the pulse be- 
come fuller and soft, if the skin becomes dry, the anxious 
expression leaves the face, if there be a passage of faeces 
or platus, we may hope for a favorable termination. Un- 
fortunately the abatement of symptoms rarely occurs ; 
but should we be fortunate enough to obtain this result, 
do not, under the mistaken notion that the bowels should 
act, give a carthartic ; but give absolute rest, and nature 
will do all that is necessary. The duration of the disease 
is usaully very short, from six to twelve hours ; although 
horses have been known to survive it for several days. 

DIARRHOEA. 

Is a condition productive of frequent, watery or semi- 
fluid, discharge of faeces. 

Causes — 

Are numerous, among which are unwhole- 
some food, changing from dry to green or succulent for- 
age, impure water, copious draughts of cold water when 



! 3° 

the animal is heated, parasites, derangement of the liver, 
medicines of a drastic cathartic action ; in fact, any irritat" 
ing substance that finds lodgement in the alimentary 
canal, or it may be a spontaneous effort of nature to dis- 
charge any substance that is offensive, either to the intes- 
tines or the general system ; it may also exist as a compli- 
cation of other diseases. 

Symptoms — 

Are purging at times with, and at other times 

without pain, the discharges being watery, and, if clay- 
colored, are offensive ; but if of a dirty brown, are usually 
void of odor. If long continued the animal loses appetite, 
fails in srength and loses flesh ; (ascites) dropsy of the 
abdomen, farcy and glanders may occasionally result. 
Treatment — 

If due to some irrirtant, give a purge of linseed 
or castor oil, one quart of the former, or one pint of the 
latter, to an ordinary sized animal ; small ones and colts 
accordingly. The discharges will usually cease with the 
action of the cathartic. If necessary, stir one pint wheat 
flour in a bucket of water and give the animal to drink ; or 
half dram of sulphuric acid in one pint water, three times 
a day ; or give one ounce doses of camphorated tincture 
of opium and sub nitrate of bismuth every three hours, 
in the proportion of one ounce of bismuth, to six of the 
tincture. Should an animal be predisposed to the trouble, 
as some are, always feed and water as long before hitch- 
ing for a journey as possible ; should the discharges be of- 
fensive, the administration of shlphite or hypo-sulphite 
of soda will be attended with advantage ; dissolve and 
use as a drench. Some authorities recommend half ounce 
doses of oil of turpentine, and one ounce camphorated 



3i 

tincture of opium, beaten with eggs and given every three 
or four hours; should there be much depression, one to 
two ounces nitrous ether are to be given every two hours 
until relieved. 

SUPER-PURGATION. 

Is the result of the action of drastic purges, and should 
be treated as a case of diarrhoea ; the symptoms have been 
enumerated in describing the former disease. 

DYSENTERY OR BLOODY FLUX. 

(Seldom Seen in the Horse.) 

An intestinal infiamation, of a specific and gangrenous 
character. 

Causes — 

Are almost identical with the causes of diar- 
rhoea, and may often result from a long continued case of 
the former. 

Symptoms — 

The first symptom is a chill, but in the major- 
ity of cases it escapes notice ; the evacuations are charac- 
terized by a bloody or coffee color, very offensive in odor, 
mostly liquid, but occasional lumps of solid matter float- 
ing in the liquid portion ; portions of mucous membrane 
and blood are passed, or the evacuations may be of a 
muco purulent character; there is much straining, but 
rarely any symptoms of pain otherwise. The tempera- 
ture is elevated, the pulse accelerated, the animal lies 
down most of the time ; the appetite may be but little 
impaired, there is much thirst, the animal becomes rap- 
idly emaciated and the bones may almost be counted. 
Treatment— . . ■ i * j 

We must place our dependence mostly on 



3 2 

good care and food ; place the patient in a comfortable, 
well-ventilated place, groom well, blanket if necessary, 
bandage the legs with flannel, give pure fresh water in 
small' quantities, nutritious, easily digested food. Medi- 
cinally, give a light oleaginous cathartic, as recommended 
in diarrhoea, but in half the quantities ; and pursue the 
same line of treatment otherwise, as recommended in the 
former trouble. Keep up the strength by stimulants, such 
as nitrous ether, milk punches, brandy, etc., or oatmeal 
gruel, beef tea or eggs; starch enemas containing tinc- 
ture of opium are often of great benefit. Do not neglect 
the administration of sulphite or hypo-sulphite of soda, 
or carbolic acid, or creolin, half dram of the former, or 
one dram of the latter, in four ounces of glycerine, even 
four hours. 

HAEMORRHOIDS— PILES. 

An affliction, fortunately, rare in the horse, but we 
occasionally meet with it. 

Causes — 

Constipation, irritation and super-purgation, 
especially if aloes be the cathartic employed. 

Symptoms — 
_^ Are bright, irregular tumors, usually appear- 
ing after de iacation ; they are livid and congested and 
more or less painful. 

Treatment — 

Regulate the bowels, have the faeces moder- 
ately soft, but do not purge; wash the tumors in tepid 
water, scarify them and press out all the liquid that can. 
be done safely ; apply the glyceite of tannin, and tincture 
of opium, in equal parts to the tumors, and replace them 



33 

as gently as possible ; it they return, repeat the whole pro- 
ceeding. 

INTESTINAL WORMS. 

Are of several varieties, hut the ones that most com- 
monly infest the intestines of the horse are few, among 
which, are the long round worm ( Lumhricoid) , usually 
measuring from four to twelve inches, hut sometimes 
much loger, varying in size from one-eighth of an inch in 
thicknesss, down to quite small, being of the greatest 
diameter 'n the middle, tapering both ways; they gener- 
ally infest the small intestines in masses, but sometimes 
singly. The tape worn is white, broad, flat, and pointed, 
having the head on the small end. Pin worms or asca- 
rides found mostly in the large intestines, are small, 
round worms, an inch to two inches in length, pointed at 
both ends, having a small black head. Worms are most 
frequently seen in young horses, and those that are fed 
on unwholesome food, and that are consequently debili- 
tated, also those that drink stagnant water. 

Symptoms — 

At times the animal evinces signs of abdomi- 
nal pain ; itching of the anus, rubbing the tail against the 
wall ad continually switching it around; coat staring, 
appetite capricious, usually ravenous, condition bad, hide 
hound, pot-bellied; a whitish yellow substance about the 
anus. If the worms get into the stomach, he will bite 
the woodwork of his stall, turn up his upper lip, rubs it 
against the wall, licks the wall, and sometimes bite and 
lick the hair off from portions of his body. 

Treatment. — 

There are numerous vermifuges, but I will 



34 

give only a few of the most efficient ; any of which, 
should be administered after a fast of several hours 

Treatment — 

For Lumbicoid or round worms, give forty 
grains santonine, in five or six ounces of mucilage, sweet 
milk or syrup; follow in twelve hours with one ounce 
aloes, given as a ball. Or give one ounce turpentine, and 
three or four of linseed oil twice a day, for three or four 
days, and follow with the aloes. For tape worm, give two 
drams etherial oil of male fern, and half ounce areca 
nut, powdered and made into a ball ; repeat next day and 
follow with aloes. 

For ascarides or pin worms, give sulphate of copper, 
two drams ; and tartar emetic, one dram ; once a day for 
a week. Give enemas of infusion of quassia chips, or to- 
bacco, in proportion of half pound, to one gallon water, 
twice a day, for a few days. Never neglect to give the 
aloes after the administration of other medicine to expel 
the worms. The aloes are in themselves an anthelmintic. 

As I have before stated, worms are usually found in 
horses in poor condition ; it rationally follows, that we 
must build them up — the general system — to prevent a 
return of the parasites. We must improve the digestive 
condition by the administration of iron and the bitter 
vegetable tonics, gentian, quinine, foenugreek, etc. ; also 
stomach stimulants, ginger and capsicum in proper quan- 
tities. 

The following is an excellent preparation : Muriated 
tincture of iron and tincture of gentian, of each four 
ounces; tincture of nuxvomica, six ounces; tincture of 
capsicum and sulphate of quinine, of each, one ounce- 



35 

water to make one quart. Shake well, and give two table- 
spoonsful (one ounce) three times daily. 

ABDOMINAL DROPSY (ASCITES.) 

Usually results from sub-acute, or chronic peritonitis, 
but may result from disease of the heart, lungs, or liver, 
and portal blood vessels, or from weakness of the heart 
in some debilitating diseases, also from the indigestion of 
foods deficient in nutriment. 
Symptoms — 

The animal becomes dull and sluggish, awk- 
ward and unnatural in the movement of the hind limbs ; 
abodemen enlarged, slight tenderness and aversion to 
pressure, occasionally, symptoms of colic are exhibited 
by striking at the belly with the hind feet and looking 
around to the seat of the trouble ; although, as a rule, the 
colic symptoms are not present. The bowels are alter- 
nately constipated and the reverse ; dropsical effusions 
appear on the under portion of the belly and on the legs ; 
by suddenly pushing the abdomen we are enabled to hear 
the movement of the water, and by percussion, we find 
the abdominal walls to emit a dull sound up to the same 
height on either side. 
Symptoms — 

In the majorty of cases, when due to organic 
disease of the heart, lungs, or liver, treatment is of very 
doubtful utility, but we should always alleviate the surfer 
ing as much as possible and we usually find temporary 
relief by the operation of paracentesis—abdominis, or 
tapping of the abdomen, which operation should only be 
attempted by a competent veterinarian, and should be fol- 
lowed by one dram of iodide potash and one ounce nitrate 



36 

of potash three times a day, in order to prevent, if possi- 
ble, a recurrence of the dropsical condition ; also give 
tablespoonful doses of the following mixture three times 
a day. Muriated tincture of iron, tincture of gentian and 
fluid extract of ginger, of each four ounces, tincture nux- 
vom'ca, three ounces. Should the trouble be the result 
of insufficient or improper food, give the same treatment, 
but in addition the sulphate of magnesie (Ephom salts), 
or sulphate of soda (Glauber safts) are indicated in full 
doses (one to one and onehalf pounds), often enough to 
insure frequent and copious watery discharges from the 
bowels, thus eliminating, through the excretory organs, 
the excess of fluid accumulated in the abdominal cavity. 
Should the animal have no appetite and the trouble be 
due to a lack of albumen in the blood, then we may get 
good results t'rom the administration of eggs in generous 
quantities; if he will still eat, give generous diet of oil 
cake and other nutritious food. 

DISEASES OF THE LARYNX AND TRACHEA. 

Acute laryngitis is an inflamation of the lining mem- 
brane of the larynx. 

Causes — 

The same as for colds, the swallowing of irri- 
tating substances, etc. 

Symptoms. — 

Considerable rise of temperature, throat usu- 
ally more or less swollen externally, but sometimes the 
swelling is confined to the inside. The parts sensitive to 
the touch, the nose protruded, usually accompanied by 
a dry painful cough, becoming more moist after two or 
three days. As the disease advances, the eyes become 



37 

prominent, the conjunctiva inflamed and red. When the 
animal attempts to drink, the water it is returned by the 
nostrils, the breathing now becomes very difficult and 
harsh, particularly the act of inspiration, being accompa- 
nied by a harsh rasping sound. The food and water is 
often returned by the nostrils, on account of inability to 
swallow. All the visible mucous membranes now as- 
sume a livid hue, due to an insufficient supply of oxygen 
in the blood. The countenance appears haggard and 
care-worn, tears flow profusely over the face, the legs 
and ears are now very cold, the head and ears droop. 
Perspiration now bedews the body, he frequently stamps 
his feet, especially the front ones. His strength and vital- 
ity are rapidly failing, and unless soon relieved he stag- 
gers, falls and after a few ineffectual struggles, yields to 
the common reaper. 
Treatment — 

First reduce the temperature by the adminis- 
tration of forty drops, every two hours, of the following 
mixture ; tincture aconite root and tincture gelsemim, of 
each, two drams; tincture belladonna and tincture digi- 
talis, each, three drams. The inhalation of medicated 
steam, is also urgently advised, this may be accomplished 
by putting a quantity of bran or hay into a bag of can 
vas, or some close material, that will confine steam as 
much as possible ; then pour one or two teaspoonfuls of 
carbolic acid and one ounce turpentine over it, then pour 
boiling water over all of it, and introduce the animal's 
nose into the opening at the top. As the water cools, 
pour in more, and compel him to inhale it until relief is 
obtained, if that be possible. Then inject well back into 
the throat, by means of a syringe, two tablespoon sful of 



38 

the following mixture: Glycerite of tannin, six ounces; 
tincture iodine and chlorate of potash, each, one ounce ; 
atropia sulphate, six grains, water, six ounces. Dissolve 
the potash and atropia in the water by heating, then mix 
all together. Use every four hours, or inject well back 
in the throat, with syringe, every two hours, the follow- 
ing: Fluid extract hydrastis canadensis, one teaspoonful, 
and two table spoonsful of water. Rub the swollen and 
tender parts, externally, once a day with a mixture of 
olive oil, six parts ; tincture cantharides, aqua ammonia, 
and spirits turpentine, each, one part. But should imme- 
diate danger of suffocation seem probable, the operation 
of trachaeotomy must be promptly resorted to ; and the 
tube allowed to remain until the respiratory organs have 
sufficiently recovered to perform their natural functions. 
But before inserting, the tube must be thoroughly 
cleansed by allowing it to remain about thirty minutes in 
a twenty per cent, solution of cabbolic acid. Remove 
tube once a day and cleanse in the same way ; dress the 
wound each time, keeping clean and pure with the same 
preparation, or strong solution of salicylic acid. After 
recovery, the tube may be removed and the opening al- 
lowed to heal and close up. Give generous diet and some 
of the bitter tonics, such as gentian, fenugreek, quinine, 
or strychnine. 

ROARING. 

Is sometimes the result of laryngitis, in some cases the 
mucous membranes of the organ become thickened, 
when such is the case — 

Treatment — 

Blisters, or cautery externally, and iodide of 



39 

potassium internally, in half ounce doses, twice a day, 
for a week or ten clays. If due to atrophy of the laryngeal 
muscles, there' is nothing within my knowledge so effect- 
ual as the administration of graduated closes of the sul- 
phate of strychnine, dispensed in the following manner: 
Divide sixty grains into thirty powders, the first to con- 
tain one grain, the thirtieth to contain four grains, grad- 
ually increase from number one, up to number thirty ; 
number each powder 1-2-3, etc -> from smallest to largest, 
give one on tongue once a day, according to number, 
commencing with number one. Should any muscular 
twitchings be observed at any time during the course of 
treatment, the drug must be discontinued at once, or the 
animal will die from strychnine poisoning. Redivide 
the remainder in smaller doses and resume treatment as 
before, commencing with minimum dose. The treat- 
ment may be somewhat hastened by the administration 
of two dram doses of chlorate of potash in solution twice 
daily, and the application of blisters to the larynx exter- 
nally, twice a week. In severe cases it may be necessary 
to persevere w'th the administration of the drugs for sev- 
eral months to effect a cure, always being careful to have 
the strychnine dispensed as directed, and should it be 
practical to use it as an intra tracheal or intra laryngeal 
injection, it is still more effective, as it comes in direct 
contact with the diseased muscle, but this is safer if left 
for the professional man. Should roaring be the result 
of ulceration of the fissure, between the vocal cords of the 
larynx, apply a 20 per cent, solution of argenti nitras 
(nitrate of silver) to the affected parts. If follicular 
growths be the cause, treat with an eight per cent solu- 
tion of bichloride of mercury ; these solutions should be 



40 

applied with a soft sponge, attached firmly to a stick, or 
rod. This trouble is also frequently the result of other 
causes, such as fracture and depression of the frontal 
bones of the face, nasal polypi, tumors of the larynx, or 
trachea, pressure on or injury of the recurrent laryngeal 
nerves, et. ; if from depression of bones over the air pass- 
age of the nostrils, they must be removed either by the 
saw or trephine, or in some way elevated, in order to 
leave the air passage free from obstruction ; if from 
polypi or tumor, remove by surgical operation ; when 
due to pressure on recurrent nerve, remove the cause, if 
it can be located. Among other causes may be cited os- 
seous tumors in the nostril, tumors of the posterior nares, 
tight reining, causing pressure on and distortion of the 
larynx, and many other causes of no interest to the non- 
professional reader; and most important of all, is to be 
careful to avoid purchasing a horse with any symptoms 
of the malady; be sure to test him by turning him short 
about, give a smart gallop, throw the whip suddenly near 
him and if in any of these tests he grunts of emits any 
unnatural respiratory sound, by all means avoid him. Be 
sure to examine his halter to see that there are no springs 
or other contrivances in the nose-band to compress the 
nostrils, as it is a trick of jockeys when they have what 
is called a high blower, to attach a spring in the nose- 
band of the halter in such a- way as to compress the nos- 
tril, and as this is usually the result of nasal polypus and 
the noise is caused by the flapping of the growth as the 
air rushes past it pressure prevents this, and the 
unwary trader is swindled, when a little knowledge or 
forethought would have saved him. Another one of the 
many dishonest tricks to cover this disease is to intro- 



41 

dticc up the nostril, a small oiled sponge on each side of 
the nostril, and as it comes in contact with the growth, 
it prevents its movement, and being in itself porous, the 
air passes readily through it, and no apparent inconve- 
nience is experienced from it. Always look out for this 
imposition. 

CHOKING. 

A trouble designated by horse men as a choker. Is 
usually the result of paralysis of the nerves of the larynx, 
especially of the left inferior; but is sometimes due to 
laryngeal turmor or abscess, and both of these condi- 
tions are usually preceded by an acute attack of laryn- 
gitis. 

Symptoms. — 

If the animal is forced to trot or gallop, he 
soon exhibits signs of great distress, emits a wheezing or 
roaring sound; and if not allowed to stop, will soon fall 
and seem to be in the throes of death, for some minutes. 
When the breathing again becomes nearly or quite nor- 
mal, and he rises and seems as though nothing out of the 
ordinary had happened. 

Treatment — 

The same as laid down for roaring from atro- 
phy of the laryngeal muscles. 

BRONCHITIS. 

Congestion of the bronchial tissues, is the result of in- 
haling irritating vapors or gases, often supervening colds, 
sore throat, laryngitis, specific fevers, and the introduc- 
tion of foreign and irritating substances. It may be con- 
fined to the large tubes, or may affect only the smaller, or 
both the large and small ; and it may affect only the mu 



42 

cous lining of the tube, or it may involve the whole 
tissue. 

Symptoms. — 

Of first stage are dullness of appearance, 
drooping of the head, loss of appetite, rise of tempera- 
ture, pulse hard and quick, respiration accelerated, dry 
barking cough ; but with the progress of the disease, the 
dry cough gives way to one more moist, the visible mem- 
branes of the nose are red, the mouth hot, the cough be- 
comes hoarse and paroxysmal ; the respiration becomes 
exceedingly rapid, and out of proportion with the pulse; 
the pulse may be only seventy or eighty per minute and 
the breathing as many or even more ; in such cases the 
smaller tubes and alveolar walls are affected and we have 
a catarrhal pneumonia. There is a discharge from the 
nostrils of a whitish or gray color ; it is frequently tinged 
with blood; and sometimes has a red or brown appear- 
ance, a hissing or wheezing sound may now be detected 
by placing the ear to the side of the chest; but if it be the 
large tubes affected, a hoarse snoring sound will be de- 
tected ; but when the dry stage is succeeded by the 
moist, the ear will detect a different sound, as the air 
passes through the exudate of inflamation bubbles are 
formed, and the bursting of these bubbles, accounts for 
the rales or rattling sound. While the breathing is short 
quick and labored, it is not painful. As it is both abdomi- 
nal and thoracic, the patient persists in standing during 
the attack, he will sometimes walk about the enclosure 
if at liberty, but usually stands most of the time with 
the head to the door or window, in order to secure as 
much fresh air as possible; the bowels are generally con- 






43 



stipated and the faeces are covered with slimy mucus ; 
the urine is darker than usual and deficient in quantity. 
Considerable thirst is present. Bronchitis of the larger 
tubes is not usuallya very serious trouble and never fatal 
except by producing collapse of a large breathing sur- 
face ; the collapse being due to occlusion of the air pass- 
ages of that portion of the lung. 
Treatment — 

Reduce temperature by dram doses of acetem- 
llid every hour until a marked improvement is percepti- 
ble, or if preferable, give tincture aconite root and tinc- 
ture gelsemium, of each, one ounce ; artopia sulphate five 
grains; mix, shake and give thirty drops every four 
hours. Support the animal by stimulants, such as car- 
bonate of ammonia, two drams, made into a ball, to be 
given every four hours, or two ounces 01 brandy or whis- 
key every hour, as long as necessary; give one ounce 
nitrate potash in drinking water three times a day; have 
recourse at once to the medicated steam recommended 
iti laryngitis ; this will mollify the dry and inflamed parts. 
Clothe the animal according to weather, bandage legs 
and keep them warm. If necessary to produce sufficient 
warmth of legs, apply the liniment recommended in 
laryngitis also; rub in well over the lungs, being sure to 
cover more space than the area of the lung. Repeat in 
four or five days; give soft, easily digested food grass it 
in season ; keep plenty of cold water hi reach. In severe 
cases, it is advisable to rub well into the sides and front 
of chest, a good quantity of the liniment -combed 
for the throat in laryngitis; repeat in three or four day 
if necessary. When .the fever and acute inflamation have 



44 

subsided, give two tablespoonsful, three times a day, of 
the following mixture: Muriated tincture of iron, tinc- 
ture of gentian, of each, one and one-half ounce ; sulphate 
of quinine, one ounce; water to make one pint; mix, 
shake and give as directed. Should recovery seem tardy, 
give, in addition, one dram doses of iodide of potassium, 
three times a day, one hour before feeding. 

BRONCHITIS— (Chronic) . 

Is often induced by much the same causes as the acute 
form, and is sometimes the result of an acute attack ; and 
in a majority of instances is associated with a thickening 
of the walls of the tubes, and alveola, and often causes 
chronic cough and thick wind, or quick and labored 
breathing. It is slower and less severe than the acute 
pain, there being less fever. In some cases the cough is 
hard and clear, and in others, soft or smothered, the nos- 
trils discharge a whitish and at times a curdled sub- 
stance; in some cases the animal seems to retain its 
strength and looks tolerably well, while others lose appe- 
tite and flesh and great debility, by (anscultation) plac- 
ing the ear to the sides of the chest, the air may be heard 
passing through the mucus within the ramifications of 
the lungs. 

Treatment — 

Give much the same treatment as in the acute 
form ; should the case fail to progress satisfactory, give, 
night and morning^ the following mixture for two weeks : 
Hydrocyanic acid, twenty or twenty-five drops, nitrate of 
potassium, three drams; bicarbonate of soda, one ounce; 
water, one pint. Or give twice a day, arsenious acid and 
sulphate of strychnine, of each, two grains; sulphate of 



45 



ne dram- give generous and nutritious Oct 
copper, one dram , .n . * CHEST 

f^he to^ or pulmonary appoplexy is 
Congeston of the lungs, ° J h {mB \ 1S 

usually the result of JJ^S^-t **■« °< 



impure air 



Symptoms— . , ith t i ie head down, legs 

a -mot over *-^^ ^ - <"■** 
tfhich may soon dry and lea ^.^ Qne 

cold, the pnlse ?«*£1*%%?< beats per minnte, a 
hundred, to one hundred and jlrtj r may be 

l 0ud murmur, or perhaps a ^J™^ thc c lbow ; 

*■* " "" Sf MS X«: «oo b d from the nosfrd 
in some cases a discharge 01 j _ bsent . If the Ugu- 

w ,„ he observed: f^^J^ ta- '* —* 
ru-Th^rt^hrUr, due to an indent 

supply of oxygen to punty it. 

Treatment The first essentia, is t^e- *£ 

pKed wit h an ^— !e «edtoo" vesse'is of the 
to relieve, if possible, the en » and de . 

lungs of the extra amount of b ood ™J rfcr vo 

** " l ° uVhat SSKSSU to eoualize 
do this, we must have recou ounces; in 

Ure circulation; we may give alcohol tw 
one pint water, every two hours. Or sulp 



46 

two ounces; every hour in pint of water. Whiskey or 
brandy, four ounces every hour. Tincture arnica, two 
ounces. ; every two hours. Or carbonate of ammonia, 
two or three drams; pulverized and wrappped in soft 
paper and pushed down the throat, as a ball is given. Any 
of them, are stimulants, and, therefore, indicated; and to 
assisst in re-establishing general circulation, have the 
legs and body briskly rubbed with wisps of hay or straw; 
clothe warmly ; should the legs still be cold, rub well into 
them the liniment recommended in laryngitis ; also rub 
well into the sides, over the region of the lungs. Ban- 
dage the legs from the hoofs to the knees and hock joints 
with flannel ; should all these fail, after six or seven 
hours ; then recourse must be had to bleeding ; take from 
four to six quarts from the neck vein. Should we be 
successful n relieving the congestion, we must remem- 
ber that it may be succeeded by inflammation of the 
lungs (pneumonia), and the case requires careful treat- 
ment. Keep the animal comfortable, supply pure air; 
ah abundance of cool fresh water, in each bucketful dis- 
solve half ounce nitrate of potash; feed on light, nutri- 
tious, easily digested food. Rempve bandages and cloth- 
ing by degrees, as convalescence advances. 

SPASM OF THE DIAPHRAGM. 

Thumps is a spasmodic, jerky, affection of the dia- 
phragm); it is sometimes confounded with plapitation 
of the heart. If the ear be placed over the heart, it will 
at once be seen that there is no connection, as their move- 
ments are not simultaneous, and, as the diaphragm is 
the essential muscle of respiration, and thumps, or its 
spasmodic action, is produced by the same causes which 



47 

produce congeston of the lungs, and is often seen in con- 
nection with it and usually when there is failure to re- 
lieve it. death ensues from congestion of the lungs; as 
it is impossible for them to receive proper aeration, when 
the principal muscle of inspiration is failing to perform 
Its proper frictions. The malady is identical with hic- 
cough in the human subject. 
Treatment — 

Same as for congestion of the lungs. 

PNEUMONIA, OR LUNG TROUBLE. 

The causes are usually identical with those of laryn- 
gitis, bronchitis, etc.; standing in draughts, exposure to 
wet and cold, improper ventilation, breathing of smoke, 
noxious gases, being worked or driven when debilitated 
from a cold ; or it may result from punctured wounds 
penetrating the thoracic cavity, but the latter does not 
necessarily <\o *o. It afreets one or both lungs, usually 
only one, and in the majority of cases il will be the right 
lung. When both are affected, it is known as double or 
bilateral ; when only one, as single or unilateral. 

Symptoms — 

It is usually preceded by a chill or rigor, res- 
piration is accelerated, circulation may be anywhere from 
seventy to one hundred to the minute ; it may be hard 
or soft and feeble, large or small, and sometimes inter- 
mitting. Temperature usually 103 degrees F. or 104 de- 
crees F., or it may even run up to 106 degrees F. Should 
the ear be placed to the side over the region of the lung, 
there will be heard an abnormally loud and hoarse 
murmur, as the air passes through the cells of the in- 
flamed organ ; there will also be heard a fine crackling 



48 
sound, that is absenl 

j »^ ii& ? ""U ill U1U1.1 LU 

understand these disagnostic symptoms, it will be neces- 
sary for the novice to acquaint himself with the sound of 
the healthy organ during the act of respiration. The 
mucous membrane of the mouth feels hot and sticky to 
the touch, the head droops, and the general appearance 
is dull and listless ; there is usually a dry cough from 
the start; but with the progress of the disease the nature 
of the cough changes, and becomes more moist, unless 
pleurisy ensues, when it is abbreviated by an effort to 
suppresss it, as it now produces excessive pain At 
times the nasal discharge will be tinged with blood- 
while m others, it has the appearance of matter or pus • 
thirst is excesssive, appetite impaired, membrane of nos- 
trils dry and red at commencement, but later becomes 
more moist; the legs are cold, urine scant and darker than 
when in health, bowels usually more or less constipated 
the faeces flaked with mucus. It will be observed he 
prefers to stand with the head to the door, window or 
other opening, where he can obtain the most abudant 
suppply of fresh air; he persistently stands unless there 
be a complication of pleurisy; in which case, he appears 
restless, and will occasionally lie down for a few min- 
utes; but he soon rises as the recumbent position only 
increases his trouble by compressing the lungs, and cur- 
tailing their already insufficient supply of air, as well as 
increases the pain. When the breathing is very rapid he 
will stand with the elbows turned out and the toes turned 
in, as pleurisy is now present and this position is assumed 
to avoid the pressure against the thoracic walls; how- 
ever if great prostration ensues, the position of the limbs 
will be reversed, the feet will be spread apart and the 



49 

elbows turned inward; he seems to be standing braced, 
as it to avoid falling. While in pneumonia the breathing 
is rapid, it is not painful, but difficult ; but if pleurisy also 
be i .resent, the breathing is accomplished as much as 
possible by the abdominal muscles, and the ribs kept as 
still as possible. The duration of the fever is from, five to 
ten davs, the character of the nasal discharge is also ot 
great diagnostic importance in catarrhal pneumonia and 
bronchitis; it is more or less purulent, and when exces- 
sive indicates a condition of gravity; but in croupous 
pneumonia it is not so abundant and is viscid and amber 
colored. 

Treatment — 

The first care must be to provide comfortable 
quarters, with plenty of fresh air, but free from draughts, 
and be sure, also, that there are no foul odors. It is 
always safest to sprinkle the premises with lime or other 
disinfectant. If the temperature be high, give dram doses 
of acetanilid, every hour, until it begins to fall ; then give 
it less frequently; or as often as necessary to hold in 
check. If legs be cold, hand-rub them until warm, and 
bandage with tlannel bandages, from the hoofs up as 
high as they are cold ; clothe according to the weather ; 
rub region of lungs with liniment. Should the animal 
seem depressed, give quinine sulphate, in dramf doses, 
every four to six hours; but if this has a tnedency to 
increase the temperature too much, give spirits nitrous 
ether and rectified spirits, of each, two ounces. Or six 
ounces good whiskey or brandy every five or six hours. 
But if any of these seem to excite the patient, discontinue 
them ; and if they cause him to have more appetite, con- 



50 

tinue. Watch the temperature and keep it within rea- 
sonable bounds, keep a good supply of pure, cold water 
within reach of the animal at all times; if the kidneys 
seem inactive, or the fever, excessive, dissolve one ounce 
nitrate of potash in each bucket of water consumed, as it 
has a cooling effect on the whole system, as well as a 
diuretic action. Or substitute bicarb, potash, one ounce ; 
but if the patient seems much depressed, do not use 
either ; but use spirits of nitrous ether, as before directed, 
if the appetite be fairly good, feed mostly on scalded oats, 
bran mash, and good bright bay ; or grass, if in season ; 
but if the appetite be poor, try different articles of diet, 
give anything he will eat, as very much depends on 
keeping up the strength and vitality, but never force 
food of any kind. Should the heart becomje very much 
weakened, give hypodermically, one-half grain sulphate 
of strychnine; and in four hours administer one-fourth to 
one-half grain nitro-glycCrine in the same way ; continue 
this until the heart resumes a better tone. Remember 
that judicious nursing and sanitary surroundings are 
more than half the battle in pneumonia ; and that it is 
better to do too little than too much. When convales- 
cence begins, give one ounce doses (two tablespoonsful) 
of the following mixture three times a day: Muriated 
tincture of iron, and tincture of nuxvomica, of each, five 
ounces; tincture of gentian, six ounces; sulphate of qui- 
nine, one ounce. Mix and shake, give three times a day. 
The safest way to give all liquids is with a hard rubber 
syringe, holding about one to two ounces ; draw the medi- 
cine into syringe, place the thumb of one hand in roof 
of the mouth, elevate the head, and having the syringe 



5i 

in the other hand, throw the medicine well back in mouth 
and he will generally swallow it with but little trouble 
If you should be so unfortunate as to strangle him, let 
the head down at once, as it is better to lose the medicine, 
than to get any foreign substance into the already in- 
flamed lung. It is also well to remember that the admin- 
istration of ammonia and quinine together is not admissi- 
ble • allow the intervention of one or two hours between 
t hem We often find forty-drop doses, every four houses 
of equal parts of tincture aconite root and tincture of 
crelsemium, to have a very happy effect in lowering tem- 
perature ; but in the use of these drugs, be sure to watch 
the action of the heart, and counteract undue depression 
by stimulants. Should the lung become solidified, or hepa- 
tized rub well into the sides over the lungs the liniment 
recommended in larqngitis and bronchitis; if necessary, 
it may be repeated on alternate days. 

PLEURISY. 

Inflammamton of the serous membrane, lining the tho- 
racic cavity covering the lungs and other organs of the 
chest Usually results from colds and other causes so 
prolific of pneumonia; in fact, pleurisy and pneumonia 
are generally, but not always, associated. In a normal 
state this membrane is of a smooth, shiny appearance, 
and excretes a fluid called serum, which keeps the sur- 
face always moist; thus preventing friction between the 
lungs and wall of the chest, during expansion and con- 
traction of the lungs, in the act of respiration. It may 
be affected, also, by wounds penetrating the chest, a frac- 
tured rib or in connection with bronchitis, influenza and 



52 

often rheumatism. It may affect one or both si 
Symptoms — 

When existing independent of other diseases, 
it is preceded by a chill, which usually escapes notice. 
The animal, as will be observed, is very averse to turn 
short, or move about; and when compelled to do so, 
evinces great pain, evidenced by a groan or grunt. The 
respiration is rapid and incomplete, the ribs move very 
little, but the abdominal muscles are brought more into 
use than natural. He may, at the commencement of the 
attack, appear to have a slight colic; may be restless, 
and even lie down, but as he finds no relief, he soon rises, 
every movement of the chest causes intense pain. The 
cough is short and suppressed, as the animal endeavors 
to suppress it altogether. The temperature ranges 
from 102 degrees F. to 105 degrees F. Bowels usually 
constipated. Urine scant nd dark in color; pulse hard 
and wiry, beating seventy to eighty per minute; legs and 
ears cold. If the sides, over the region of the lungs, be 
tapped with the knuckles of the hand, or pressure be 
made with the ends of the fingers between the ribs, com- 
mencing just back of the elbow and extending over con- 
siderable space, the point of trouble may be located, by 
the amount of pain evinced. Or if the ear be placed over 
the lung at different points ; it mjay also be detected by 
the sharp, rasping sound emitted by the contact of the 
dry surfaces of the lung and pleura, during the act of 
respiration. Within two or three days, the violent 
symptoms will probably be somewhat abated, owing to 
the exudation of fluid into the lung cavity. This stage 
of the disease is known as hydrothorax, or dropsy of the. 



53 

chest. Should there be gradual absorption of the exu- 
date, the case will probably terminate in recovery, in 
from ten to fifteen days ; but, should the quantity of effu- 
sion be great, the process of absorption will necessarily 
be slow, and convalescence retarded. 

Treatment — 

In the early or acute stge, when the pain is 
severe, the administration of opium is indicated ; give one 
ounce of the tincture, in one pint of raw linsee oil. If 
the pain continues, repeat the opium, in three or four 
hours. Appply hot fomentations over the lungs ; if the 
pulse remain hard, give tr. aconite root, in ten-drop 
doses, every hour. 

The general treatment varies but little from that of 
pneumonia and bronchitis, but do not fail to continue the 
hot fomentations to the sides, until the pain subsides. 
After a few days the liniment, recommended in the treat- 
ment of pneumonia, should be rubbed well into the sides 
over the lungs, but covering much more space, as it will 
promote obsorption of effusion, and has a tendency to 
obviate hydrothorax. If in ten or twelve days, the case 
is not progressing satisfactorily, the trouble is due to 
failure of the system to absord the effusion or fluid in the 
cavity, and we have a case of hydrothorax. We must 
now put forth our best efforts to assist nature in the task 
of absorption ; give three times daily, one-half ounce 
tincture of perchloride of iron ; and one ounce of tincture 
of gentian ; with half pint of water. It may be given as a 
drench, if care is taken to avoid strangling the patient. 
One or two hours previous to feeding, night and morn- 
ing, give one dram of iodide of potassium. Should we 



i our efforts to effect absorption, of the exudate, we 
must resort to the operation of paracentesis thoracis, or 
more plainly speaking, tapping the chest and drawing off 
the fluid ; but this requires the service of the veterinary 
surgeon. It should not be delayed until the animal is 
so much prostrated as to be beyond recovery. 

ASTHMA, HEAVES, OR BROKEN WIND. 

Causes — 

From which this trouble arises seem to be 
somewhat obscure, different authorities differ in opinion 
regarding it ; therefore, I shall give only the most proba- 
ble causes ; among which, are, dusty and unwholesome 
food, especially, dusty hay and fodder, over driving, etc. 
Asthma is generally thought to be the result of spasm of 
the circular muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes, the 
continuance of this affection results in paralysis of the 
muscles. Some authors say there is rupture and en- 
largement of some of the air cells of the lungs. I am 
personally inclined to this view. Some are of the opin- 
ion it is due to a lesion of the pneumogastric nerve ; 
however that may be, all the organs supplied by branches 
of these nerves, are liable sooner or later to become in- 
volvd, viz. : the heart, bronchial tubes, lungs and stom- 
ach, and it is certain that the trouble is accompanied by 
some serious digestive trouble. 
Symptoms — 

The act of inspiration, or of drawing the air 
into the lungs, seems to be normal, or nearly so, perhaps 
a little quicker than in health, but scarcely enough to be 
noticeable. But the act of expiration, or expelling, the 
air from the lungs, is accomplished by two distinct ef- 



55 

foits, at the conclusion of which the muscles relax and 
the flanks fall with peculiar force. The malady is at- 
tended with a short cough, more -ike a grunt, if the case 
is of recent origin, or the affection slight, it m|ay not be 
noticeable, except after a certain amount of exertion. 
But the symptoms are so well known, they need no ex- 
tensive description. 

Treatment — 

I am of the opinion that when the disease is 
once established, there is no permanent cure for it ; but it 
may, in most cases, be greatly alleviated. Being aware 
that deleterious, unwholesome and bulky food aggravates 
the symptoms, it should be our first care to remedy this; 
give water before feeding always, and give but little hay 
and that but once a day; plenty of sound corn or oats 
three times a day; dampen all food with salt v^ater, this 
answers the two-fold purpose, of getting rid of any dust 
in the food and stimulating the flow of gastric juices, 
thus assisting digestion. Give the horse the following 
treatment : Two grains sulphate strychnine in feed, night 
and morning; also give calomel, digitatis, opium and 
camphor, of each, one ounce; divide into eight powders 
and give one powder each day, until all are given ; then 
repeat, leaving out the calomel. Allow the animal to 
wear his bridle with about half a dram solid extract of 
stramonium, wrapped on the bit, it gives great relief. 
The horse shark, knowing the animal breathes reason- 
ably well when the stomach is empty, keeps him short 
of food and water for the purpose of fleecing the unwary. 
They even resort to pouring shot down his throat, giving 
large doses of stramonium, belladonna, opium, etc. All 



56 

of which seem to temporarily relieve the difficulty; but 
it is only for a short time. The most dangerous one 
with which the unsuspecting is liable to be swindled, 
is the trick of pouring one quart of melted lard down the 
heaver, the effect lasts from twelve to twenty-four hours ; 
but it is always safest when dealing with a man in whose 
honor you have not the utmost confidence, to require 
him to allow you twenty-four hours in which to try the 
horse, and in the meantime give an abuahdance of hay, 
and water him after he has eaten all he will, and if any- 
thing s wrong it will then show up. , 

CHRONIC COUGH. 

In a majority of instances results from indigestion, in 
other words, it is a liver cough. 
Treatment — 

Give Barbadoes aloes, from six to eight drams ; 
powdered ginger, three drams; make into a ball and give 
at once. When the cathartic effect has passed off, give 
the treatment recommended for heaves, and in addition, 
give tablespoonful oil of tar, three times a day, for eight 
or ten days. 

DISEASES OF THE HEART AND ITS MEM- 
BRANES. 
PERICARDITIS. 

Inflammamtion of the pericardium or membrane envel- 
oping the heart 

Causes — 

The causes are similar to those from which 
pulmonary or lung troubles arise; rheumatism,, etc. It 



$7 

may also result from traumatism or wounds especially 
from a broken rib. 

Symptoms — 

Excessive fever, pulse hard and irritable, indi- 
cating irritability of the heart, the action of which is often 
irregular, at times, full, bounding, and violent ; breathing 
quick, extremities cold ; we often notice cramps or spasms 
of the superficial muscles, especially of the neck and the 
pectoral region, the muscles of the hind extremities are 
occasionally violently affected. Fever is highest in the 
evening, and lowest in the morning; pulse corresponding 
to temperature; by placing the ear to the left side, over 
the region of the heart, a rasping sound may be detected 
in unison with the heart beats, and is known to practi- 
tioners as the to and fro sound, but somewhere from the 
second to the fourth day this sound may disappear, from 
the same reason that the friction sound in pleurisy dis- 
appears, viz. : that the envelope is disteneded by an effu- 
sion or euxdate, and the contact of heart and envelope is 
prevented. In some cases a distinct sound as of water 
being displaced by some violent movement, and then 
rushing back to its former place; this is due to the vio- 
lent contraction and expansion of the organ, surrounded 
as it is by the undue amount of fluid. The disease may 
always be regarded as of serious import. 
Treatment — 

If the pain be severe, give two ounces tincture 
opium, every six hours, until some abatement of symp- 
toms takes place; also give, every hour, twenty-five or 
thirty drops of tincture of digitalis, and tincture of aco- 
nite root, mixed in equal quantities ; until pulse and tern- 



58 

perature are reduced. Keep the bowels regular with 
moderate doses of raw linseed oil ; should the limbs be 
cold, rub them/ well with some stimulating liniment, or 
tincture of capsicum, then bandage ; keep the body warm- 
ly clothed ; give, half ounce doses, nitrate of potash in 
drinking water, three times a day; after the lapse of three 
or four days, give iodide of potash, in two-dram doses, in- 
stead of the nitrate of potash. Apply the liniment (rec- 
ommended in bronchitis) to the sides of the chest in the 
early stages, rub in well. Should the disease becom,* 
chronic, give two tablespoonsful of the following mix- 
ture, three times daily: Iodide of iron, one ounce; tinc- 
ture of gentian, eight ounces ; water, eight ounces ; dis- 
solve the iodide of iron in the water and add the gentian, 
shake before using. Continue the iodide of potassium 
three times a day,for two or three weeks. When the 
effusion into the envelope is sufficient to endanger life, 
then the operation of tapping or paracentesis, must be 
performed; but only the competent veterinary surgeon 
should attempt this. 

ENDOCARDITIS. 

Is an inflammation of the membrane lining the cavities 
of the heart. 
Causes — 

It is a very frequent result of articular rheu- 
matism. 
Symptoms — 

Similar to those of pericarditis ; the most no- 
ticeable difference being that by auscultation we find, 
instead of the to and fro friction sound noticed in pericar- 
ditis, a blowing or cooing sound. 
Treatment — 



59 

If the pulse is irregular or irrirtable, give 
tonic treatment, as recommended in pericarditis; in fact, 
the treatment should be much the same, with the excep- 
tion, that any heart sedative must be administered with 
extreme caution. Tincture of aconite is particularly use- 
ful in quieting an irritable condition, but it must be given 
with an equal quantity of tincture of digitalis, to counter- 
act the depressing influence on the heart; for anything 
calculated to lower the heart's action promotes fibrinous 
coagulation. Or twenty to thirty drops tincture vera- 
trum veride and same amount of tincture of digitalis may 
be given every hour, until the symptoms abate. If much 
debility be present, give stimulants; carbonate of ammo- 
nia, in two or three dram doses, until the depression is 
less marked ; avoid all blisters, or other so-called counter 
irritants, they only increase the trouble. But should the 
animal survive, the chances of being of much value are 
very remote, as they seldom recover sufficiently to be of 
much service. There are many other affections of the 
heart, but symptoms are so common to all; that it would 
be impossible for the ordinary reader to distinguish one 
from the other and I will not take the space to describe 
them here. 

DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND ITS MEM- 
BRANES. 

V 

CEREBRITIS. 

Inflammamtion of the brain substance. 
Causes — 

Causes are many. The most common are cys- 
tic and calcareous tumors, exposure to extreme heat or 



6o 

cold; direct injury to the brain, as concussion, fracture 
of the cranium, rupture of meningeal blood vessels ; or 
it may result from influenza, or a poison that has a direct 
influence on the brain substance. 

Symptoms — 

Are as varied as the causes, and when unac- 
companied by other disease is seldom recognized dur- 
ing life. The symptoms usually develop slowly, but 
persistently; vertigo or giddiness is continuously pres- 
ent; he stops , staggers and shakes the head, seeming to 
be uncertain in which direction to go ; muscles of side of 
face and neck drawn and tense ; the pupils of the eyes 
contracted ; pulse small, hard, sometimes fast, and somje- 
times slower than normal; slight increase of tempera- 
ture ; respiration or breathing slow, and de*ep ; appetite 
uncertain, bowels constitpated, loses flesh rapidly. These 
symptoms may continue for a period of from seven to 
fourteen days, when he may become comatose ; the pulse 
becomes intermittent, the pupils of the eyes dilate, the 
muscles which were rigid are now relaxed and paralyzed ; 
he finds it difficult to swallow, the urine may be involun- 
tarily discharged, or it may be retained; he may linger 
in this condition for several days and then die in a 
paralyzed and unconscous condition. But more frequent- 
ly the paralysis is sudden and complete, from extensive 
brain lesions ; and it is only a matter of a few hours. 

Treatment — 

Is of little avail except to keep the bowels 
open by the use of cathartics, and prevent the animal 
from injuring itself. 



6i 



CONGESTION OF THE BRAIN-MEGRIMS. 
Is due to engorgement of the blood vessels of the 
brain; it may result from hypertrophy of the left ventri- 
cle of the heart, undue exertion, sudden fear or other ex- 
citement, extreme heat, etc. This is known as the active 
form, the passive form may be due to any mechanical 
obstruction of the blood in its return to the heart such 
as turriors, abscesses, or it may be from organic lesion of 
the heart ; tight fitting collars, etc. Animals of plethoric 
condition, with short thick necks, are particularly subject 
to this trouble. 

Symptoms — 

Usually manifest themselves very suddenly 
ami are of short duration; the animal may stop suddenly,' 
shake his head, or he may stand quietly, but appears to 
stand bracing himself for a moment; then stagger or 
P-tch forward and fall ; the eyes are staring, nostrils di- 
lated, respiration hurried and stertorous. Generally the 
symptoms disappear in a short time, or coma and death 
quickly follow; should the symptoms abate, he may be 
weak and staggering for several days. If it be the result 
of diseased blood vessels in the brain, or organic lesion 
of the heart, then the symptoms may be slow of develop- 
ment and are manifested by stupor, dimness of vision 
imperfect control of voluntary movements, diminished 
^nsibility of the skin, unconsciousness, delirium and 
death. In the milder cases partial recovery may ensue, 
and be followed by paralysis and other complications 
Treatment — 

Should the trouble arise from mechanical ob- 
struction, remove it, as speedily as possible. If from 



;,',"'" 62 

tight collar, loosen it; if from tumor or abscess, it will 
require the services of a veterinary surgeon. Should the 
animal be partially or wholly unconscious, apply cold 
compresses to the head, should this fail to give relief; 
bleed, to lessen arterial tension. Give tincture aconite 
root, or Norwood's tincture veratrum, every hour, in 20 
drop doses, until consciousness is restored. Should the 
lmibs be cold, rub them well with some stimulating lini- 
ment. After two or three days give Barbadoes aloes, as 
directed in the treatment of menengitis. Also give iodide 
of potassium, night and morning, in dram doses. 

SUN-STROKE, OR EXHAUSTION FROM HEAT. 
Causes — 

Excessive heat and consequent exhaustion, 
either from the rays of the sun, or long continued and 
violent work. 
Symptoms — 

The animal stops suddednly, drops the head, 
staggers and falls in an unconscious heap ; pulse slow 
and irregular ; breathing stertorous or snoring, portions 
of the body breaks out in a cold perspiration. If the 
trouble arises from heat, he usually shows signs of slug- 
gishness ; perspiration ceases sometime previous to the 
more noticeable symptoms, he becomes weak and stag- 
gering in his movements ; breathing quick, eyes blood- 
shot, nostrils dilated, the mucous linings assuming a 
deep red or purplish hue ; pulse very rapid, but weak r 
unconsciousness soon follows, and unless soon relieved, 
death is inevitable from active congestion of the brain. 
Treatment — 

Consists in the application of heat to the head 



63 

and along the spine, either in the form of hot water cloths 
or dry heat ; stimulants, carbonate of ammonia, three to 
four drams ; wrap in tissue paper and shove down the 
throat. Or give four ounces alcohol, or half pint of whis- 
key, in half pint water, every hour; rub the limbs briskly, 
apply some stimulating liniment to them, continue the 
stimulants until the circulaton is nearer normal — both 
in frequency and tone . Should the trouble be due to 
other causes than heat, the treatment should be the 
same except cold applications to the head and spine 
should take the place of hot ones. But, under no circum- 
stances, should blood letting be resorted to ; and when 
reaction occurs, administer iron and bitter tonics; give 
three times daily, two tablespoonsful of the following 
mixture : Muriated tincture of iron, tincture gentian, 
tincture nuxvomica, each, five ounces ; sulphate of qui- 
nine, one ounce. Mix all together, shake well, and give 
as directed. 

MENENGITIS— MAD STAGGERS. 
Causes — 

Excess of heat or cold, wounds of the head, 
rupture of meningeal blood vessels, influenza, rheuma- 
tism, deleterious food, etc. 
Symptoms — 

In acute menengitis, appear very suddenly. 
The animal flies back in the halter, runs or plunges for- 
ward, paying no attention to obstacles; pulse rapid, res- 
piration hurried, temperature from 103 degrees F. to 
107 degrees F., according to severity; muscles quivering. 
Pupils of eyes contracted, head elevated; muscles of sides 
of head and neck rigid; eyes retract in their sockets* 



64 

twitching of eyelids ; furious delirium or convulsions, 
coma and death unless soon relieved. The least noise or 
excitement is apt to produce symptoms of the most vio- 
lent nature ; but during the intervening periods, the ani- 
mal appears dull and drowsy ; there is volent effort to 
expel the contents of the rectum; the urine is ejected in 
spurts, or by convulsive efforts. In the sub-acute form, 
the symptoms develop more slowly ; it may be distin- 
guished from encephalitis or cerebritis, from the fact 
that there are no symptoms of coma or of localized paral- 
ysis, until the near approach of death, but on the con- 
trary the animal shows increased sensibility, delirium 
and violence. 

Treatment — 

In the initial or early stage of menengitis, 
when the pulse is full and the blood vessels engorged, 
the danger to life is from the rapid accumulation of 
inflammatory products; the first object then is the early 
and rapid unloading of the engorged vessel, thus re- 
lieve the pressure on the brain in all inflammatory at- 
tacks of the brain and its membranes, including menen- 
gitis, encephalitis, cerebritis, etc. Another most expedi- 
tious means at our disposal, is the abstraction of blood 
from the jugular or neck vein, and in the acute form of 
menengitis, it is imperative ; keep the finger on the pulse 
and when there is a marked softening or fluttering dis- 
continue, and give a smart purge, composed of six or 
eight drams of Barbadoes aloes; and one-half dram of 
calomel, made into a ball. Control the temperature by 
an occasional dose of 20 to 30 drops of tincture of aco- 
nite root, place the ftniirial in a quiet place, as free from 



65 

noise as possible. Give from twenty to twenty-five drops 
Norwood's tincture of veratrum every hour; place cloths 
wrung out of hot water on his head and renew them 
frequently for twelve or fourteen hours. If the symlp- 
toms do not abate, give one and one-half, to two grains 
ot atropine sulphate, twice a day, hypodermically. Or 
instead of all other medicine, give two grains, each, of 
eserine and pilocarpine ; repeat the pilocarpine in one 
grain doses, twice daily, by intra-tracheal injection. Keep 
plenty of cool water in his reach, in which has been dis- 
solved one-half to one ounce nitrate of potash. Should 
this treatment fail to give relief in twelve hours, we 
must resort to the hypodermic injection or ergotin, in 
five grain doses, every six hours, add one dram of water 
to each dose of ergotin. Cover the animal warmly, un- 
less there be excessive perspiration. Hand-rub the legs 
to promote free circulation, or rub them with some stim- 
ulating liniment, or with strong mustard water. Cold 
water to the head now, in place of the hot. Should it pass 
into the chronic form, give twice a day, two drams of 
iodide of potassium; and two drams :alomel, once a day. 
If there is no fever present, give iodide of iron, one dram ; 
and two drams of powdered hyprastis, three times daily. 
Apply cantharidal collodion or fly blisters back of the 
poll. Should there be paralysis of any of the parts, give 
two tablespoonsful of the following tonic, three times 
daily : Equal parts tincture of iron muriate ; tincture of 
gentian, and tincture hydrastis canadensis. And in acldi- 
'.ion, give two grains sulphate of strychnine, on tongue, 
night and morning, until muscular twitchings are de- 
tected, when the strychnine must be discontinued. 



■ 66 : ; 

SLEEPY STAGGERS— COMA. 

Is a disease resulting from a variety of brain af- 
fections ; such as chronic menengitis, accompanied with 
effusion ; atrophy, tumors in the lateral ventricles, etc, ; 
a mild form of congestion, and is attributed to engorge- 
ment of the stomach with bulky and innutritious food and 
lack of proper exercise. 

Symptoms — 

Drowsiness, sluggish and often staggering 
gait, partial insensibility, the animal may be eatng, when 
he suddenly drops the head in the box, or manger ; usu- 
ally with the mouth full ; you may place his feet in any 
position you choose, and he will remain as you place him, 
for a long time. He seems perfectly insensible of all that 
is passing. The pulse is slow and soft, temperature 
normal ; he may remain in this condition for weeks, or 
even months, without any apparent change, or he may 
lose consciousness entirely, or he may become delirious 
and die in convulsions. 
Treatment — 

Bleeding froni the neck vein, one to two gal- 
lons, according to the size of the horse ; give at once, 
Barbadoes aloes, seven drams ; croton oil, five to ten 
drops ; powdered capsicum, one to two drams ; made into 
a ball. After the effect of the ball has passed off, give, 
three times a day, one tablespoonful of the following 
mixture : Powdered ginger, powdered hydrastis, cana- 
densis, ground cloves and bicarbonate of soda, of each, 
four parts, and powdered capsicum, one part ; mix thor- 
oughly. Or give the iodide of potassium, and calomel, 
as directed in menengitis. Should there be deep coma, or 



67 

almost continuous unconsciousness, apply cold water; 
or ice to the head. 

PARALYSIS. 

Paralysis is a malady usually resulting from some dis- 
order of the brain, injury to the spinal cord, tumors, dis- 
ease of the blood vessels of the brain, etc. 
Treatment — 

When due to tumors, or pressure on a nerve, 
treatment consists in removing the cause by surgical in- 
terference, and if from other causes, any agent that will 
impart tone and vigor to the general nervous sytem, is 
indicated ; among which remedies strychnine and elec- 
tricity are the most prominent anti-paralytics. Strych- 
nine may be given in two-grain doses, twice a day, until 
muscular twitchings are observed ; it must then be dis- 
continued for a few days (as its effect is cumulative) ; it 
may then be resumed, but be careful to watch for the 
physiological effect or muscular twitching. 

DISEASES OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. 

Inflammamtton of the lymph glands usually occurs in 
connection with some inllammntory process in the region 
from which its lymph is drawn; in cases of strangles, 
nasal catarrh, ulcerated teeth, etc. The lymph glands, 
situated beneath the lower jaw, almost invariably be- 
come involved, and abscessses form, unless preventive 
treatment be promptly employed. 
Symptoms — 

The glands swell, are painful to the touch, ab- 
scesses usually form ; temperature high. 



68 

Treatment — 

Foment with hot water, after which apply 
camphorated oil, or camphorated soap liniment, to pre- 
vent suppuration, if possible. But if there is indication 
of an abscess apply, over the swollen part, a blistering 
ointment, composed of two ounces of vaseline, one-half 
ounce powdered cantharides, and three dram(s of binio- 
dide of mercury ; or the liniment used in bronchitis ; or 
hot flax seed poultices instead ; as soon as fluctuation 
can be felt, open freely with the lancet, and allow the pus 
to escape ; dress the wound with a solution of one dram 
each of chloride of zinc and two drams borolyptol, in 
one pint water ; wash out the cavity with syringe, two or 
three times daily, or use dioxogen in the same manner. 
Hypertrophried, or enlarged lymphatic glands in the re- 
gion of the larynx sometimes produces wheezing, or roar- 
ing, by pressing on the recurrent laryngeal nerves. 
Treatment consists in blistering, with sweating and ab- 
sorbent blisters ; vaseline, two ounces ; powdered cantha- 
rides, six dram's ; bin-iodide of mercury, three drams ; 
mix well and apply every fourth day. Should -this fail, 
it will b necessary to remove it with the knife. 

LYMPHANGITIS— ELEPHANTIASIS. 

Causes — 

Horses of a lymphatic, or sluggish tempera- 
ment, are especially predisposed to this ailment; well 
fed animals are more subject to it than leaner ones; in 
such cases, it is probably due to an excess of nutritive 
elements in the blood, or it may be the result of sudden 
changes in the work, or habits of the animal ; or he may 
be ridden, or driven, until exhausted, then over-fed and 



6q 

not given the proper attention ; this is a prolific source 
of the malady. 
Symptoms — 

It is usually ushered in with a chill, but this 
is seldom noticed and is followed by high fever and un- 
easiness, lameness in one or both hind legs, soon follows ; 
swelling appears on the inside of thigh, gradually ex- 
tending around the whole limb and extending to the 
foot; the limb is very hot and sensitive to the touch; 
the breathing is accelerated; temperature high, some- 
times reaching 105 degrees F. or 106 degrees F. ; pulse 
hard and rapid; bowels soon become constipated; urine 
scanty. Symptoms usually increase in severity for two 
or three days. When the condition remains unchanged 
for several days; the fever then begins to abate; the 
swelling subsides, and the limib is less painful to the 
touch. It is very seldom that all the swelling leaves the 
limb, but generally leaves some permanent enlargement 
and the animal is very subject to a recurrence of the 
trouble. 
Treatment — 

Give fifteen drops, each, of tincture of aconite 
root and tincture of digitalis, every hour, until the pulse 
and temperature are considerably lessened. Foment 
the affected limb with hot vinegar, in fhich salt has been 
dissolved, in porportion of one-half pint, to one gallon of 
vinegar; also dissolve two ounces nitrate of potash in the 
•same mixture ; keep this up almost continually for six or 
eight hours, when the limb should be rubbed perfectlv 
dry with flannel cloths; then rubbed well with cam- 
phorated soap liniment; give half ounce doses of nitrate 
of potash in drinking water, three times a day also 



7° 

give him iodide of potassium in two-dram doses, three 
times a day, for two or three weeeks. Give perfect rest 
and green food, if in season ; if not, keep bowels open by 
bran mashes. 

DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS. 

DIABETES— INSIPIDUS. 

Usually resulting from feeding deleterious and un- 
wholesome food, either directly or indirectly ; but in some 
cases it ma}'- be due to indigestion, and disappears with 
the restoration of the digestive organs to their normal 
condition. 

Symptoms — 

Great thirst and excessive discharge of pale, 
odorless urine ; in fact it is almost as white as pure 
water (in health it is of a deep amber color, and of strong 
odor) ; there is a rapid wasting of tissue, and extreme 
emaciation, failing of the appetite, the skin becomes 
tense, the hair erect and lusterless, the eyes dull and 
withdrawn into their sockets ; he has no power of endur- 
ance, and perspires with the least exertion. 
Treatment — 

First remove the cause, if known, then give 
two tablespoonsful doses of a solution, one ounce of 
iodide of iron; to one pint of water; three times daily. 
Tablespoonful of bicarbonate of soda, in drinking water, 
two or three times a day. Or give two dram doses of 
iodine, twice a day, until the thirst disappears. 

AZOTURIA— CONGESTION OF THE KIDNEYS. 

Is due to too much nitrogenous food, without proper 
exercise; and is confined almost invariably to horses of 



short, blocky build. He is allowed to stand in the stable 
for several days with no exercise; is fed high, the blood 
becomes charged with an excess of nitrogen, and on 
coming- from the stable seems to possess more than his 
usual amount of vitality; but after going a short dis- 
tance, he suddenly goes lamie in one hind leg; he pers- 
pires profusely, soon goes lame in the other hind limb, 
and in a few minutes he generally comes down in a heap, 
and when down, he usually struggles violently, but is 
utterly unable to regain his feet. The membranes of the 
eyes and nose assume a brownish tinge, the pulse and 
respiration are much accelerated, the urine is of a dark- 
brown or red, and sometimes almjost black. In the 
milder form, the animal may not fall, but the malady 
may only appear as a sudden lameness, upon being put to 
work after an unusual period of rest and high feeding. 
Treatment — 

The more severe cases should receive a smart 
purge, of from six to eight drams pulverized aloes; and 
should the kidneys seem inactive, give one ounce sweet 
spirits nitre ; or one-half to one dram of powdered Col- 
chicum seed, twice daily. Should he seem particularly 
restless, give half ounce doses of bromide of potassium, 
every four of five hours, as long as necessary. Do not 
apply irritating liniments or hot applications to the loins, 
as it only renders him more restless, and causes him to 
struggle and do enough harm to counteract the good that 
might otherwise result. Provide good shelter and bed ; 
keep him as comfortable as possible; turn him from side 
to side, two or three times daily. After two or three 
days, try to assist him to his feet ; if necessary, put him 
in the slings, have the limbs briskly hand-rubbed to get 



up good circulation, and as soon as he is able to walk, 
give him very gentle exercise. Should there be any in- 
dication of remaining weakness or paralysis, give two 
grains sulphate of strychnine, twice daily ; he may re- 
cover almost as suddenly as he was taken, or it may end 
fatally in a few days, or even in a few hours. In some 
sudden cases, if the animal be stopped immediately, kept 
perfctly quit, and given three or four drams bromide of 
potassium, all symptoms of the malady subside, and no 
further trouble is experienced. 

ACUTE INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. 
Causes — 

The causes are many and varied, but we will 
only enumerate such as may be understood and pre- 
vented. The most prolific among which is a dsordered 
liver, it fails to perform its work of eliminating poison- 
ous and effete material, and the kidneys attempt this part 
of the work of both organs, and the cosequence is the 
overwork and inevitable lesion of the kidneys. Or it may 
be the result of irritating diuretic plants in the forage ; 
njudicious administration of diuretics, the infliction of 
blows or sprains on the loins ; the application of can- 
tharidal, or Spanish fly blisters to large surface, the drip- 
ping of cold water on the loins, etc. 
Symptoms — 

Accelerated pulse, rise of temperature, back 
or loins arched, straddling gait, flanks tucked or drawn 
up, stiffness of the back, seeming difficulty in lying down 
and getting up, looking back at the abdomen, apparent 
signs of colic, tenderness of the loins to pressure ; fre- 
quent attempts at urination, but small quantity is voided 



73 

at a time, and is of a high color and at times, mixed with 
blood or pus. 
Treatment — 

Remove the cause if known, throw the work 
of elimination on the liver, and thus relieve the kidneys 
by giving one pint of castor oil; as this arouses the liver, 
and does not irritate the kidneys. Place in warm stall, if 
possible, and clothe well to promote perspiration ; should 
this he impracticable, give dram doses of dovers powders, 
every hour, until the severity of the symptoms has sub- 
sided. Hot fomentations should be persistently applied 
over the region of the kidneys, wring- blankets out of 
water as hot as can be borne by the hands, place over 
the loins and cover with dry ones; if not possible to do 
this, make a thin paste with the white of eggs and mus- 
tard, and rub in well over loins and cover with paper, 
and blanket to retain the fumes of the mustard and keep 
the body warm; leave on three or four clays, as it will 
not actually blister when mixed in this way. Keep the 
bowels open by the use of one to two drams of aloes 
daily ; after the commencement of recovery, give him 
two tablespoonsful doses of a mixture of tincture of nux 
vomica, tincture gentian ; and muriated tincture of iron, 
each, five ounces ; and one ounce sulphate of quinine ; mix 
and shake before giving. Keep the patient comfortable, 
do not allow any exertion for some days or even weeks 
after all symptoms have disappeared. 

CHRONIC INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. 

Causes — 

May be from sprains or other injuries to the 
loins, exposure, indigestion, diseases of the heart, lungs 



74 

or liver, faulty assimilation of the blood, and many other 
circumstances too obscure to the non-professonal to be 
of any value. 
Symptoms — 

Stiffness, weakness, extreme sensibility to 
pressure in the region of the kidneys; the flow of urine 
may be less or it may be more than in health, or alto- 
gether suppressed, or again it may be normal in quantity; 
swelling of the limbs, dropsy may also manifest itself 
along the under surface of the chest and abdomen, the 
hair is lusterless, the skin scurfy, appetite poor, no vital- 
ity, inability to stand continued exerton, emaciation, 
flabby muscles, membranes of the eyes and nose pallid, 
sometimes there are eruptions of the skin, the urine, if 
tested, will be found to contain casts and albumen. 

Treatment — 

Is frequently very unsatisfactory, from the 
fact that the cause of the trouble is contained in the dis- 
orders of other important organs. Should this fact be 
ascertained, the evil must be treated at the same time, 
or previous to the treatment of the inflamed kidney. Be 
sure the liver is in condition to perform its office; buih 
up the general system by giving the tonic recommended 
in the convalescence of acute inflammation of the kid- 
neys, give one-half to one dram nitro muriatic acid in 
drinking water, once a day. Apply hot fomentations 
and the mustard paste as in the acute form; should there 
be suppression of the urine, apply an infusion of digitalis 
leaves to the loins. Be chary of diuretics. 



'75 

DISEASES OF THE BLADDER. 

Causes — 

Arc numerous, among- which are long, hard 
drives without opportunity to void the urine, colic, im- 
paction of the colon, standing in cold rain, cold draughts 
when fatigued, or wet with perspiration, the injudicous 
administration of diuretics, extensive fly blisters, diuretic 
plants in the provender, stone in the bladdder, etc. 

Symptoms — 

Frequent stretching with efforts to void the 
urine, the effort is ineffectual, there may be a slight drib- 
bling but nothing more; in the effort, he evinces pain by 
his groans; he paws uneasily, shakes the tail, kicks at the 
abdomen with the hind feet, looks back at the flanks, 
lies down but soon rises, and likely attempts again to 
urinate. 
Treatment — 

First, by enemas of warm water, into which 
tincture of opium in proportion of one ounce to half gal- 
lon of water, has been mixed ; if this fails, the horse 
catheter must be used to draw off the urine. The cathe- 
ter used for this purpose is about three and one-half feet 
long; draw the penis out of its sheath, have an. assistant 
to bold it and to introduce the catheter, now have one 
hand well oiled and introduce it into the rectum, have 
the assistant to push the catheter up, until it reaches tin; 
ischial arch, just beneath the anus, where it can be felt 
from the outside, as it moves along the urethra, and can 
also be felt by the hand within the rectum, and must be 
guided by the hand, into the bladder as the assistant 
pushes it forward. The catheter for the mare is more 



seldom; needed, as the 



easily introduced, and moreover 
oiled hand may be introduced i 
mouth of the bladdder, and allow the escape of the urine. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. 

Causes — 

Abuse of diuretics, stone in the bladder, reten 
tion of urine, irritation of the inner lining and the de- 
struction of epithelial cells by ammonia generated by 
decomposing urine, the application of Spanish flies or 
turpentine over large areas, the eating of irritating plants 
in the provender, exposure to cold when tired and warm. 
Symptoms — 

Colic pains, uneasy movement of the hind 
limbs, kicking at the abdomen, looking around at the 
flank, frequently lies down, but soon gets up ; frequent 
efforts to void the urine; the passage of small quantities 
of clear, red, or flocculent urine, it is always voided in 
spurts or jets, and accompanied by signs of pain ; aft^r 
the discharge he continues straining and groaning; the 
penis hangs from the sheath, in the mare the vulva is 
frequently opened and closed; should pressure be made 
in the region of the sheath, or udder, severe pain is 
evinced. 
Treatment — 

Remove the cause, if known. If from reten- 
tion and decomposition of urine, it must be drawn off 
by the catheter, and the bladder thoroughly washed out 
with a solution of one tcaspoOnful of borolyptol, and 
one-half teaspoonful of carbolic acid, to one galloon of 
tepid water, twice a day. Give light diet and mucilagin- 
ous drinks ; after acute symptoms have subsided, give 



le. 



77 

daily doses of fluid extract of buchu, half ounce. Also 
give the tonic recommended in other cases, consisting; of 
tincture gentian; tincture nuxvomca; muriated tincture 
of iron; of each, five ounces; and one ounce of quinine. 
Shake and give two tablespoonsful three times daily. 

DISEASES OF THE EYE AND ITS MEMBRANES. 

The lids of the eye are subject to many accidents and 
diseases; in fact, too many to be mentioned separately; 
hut most of them consist of lacerations or slight inflam- 
mations, and where the trouble is strictly local, may be 
successsfully treated by cooling and astringent lotions, 
such as one grain, each, of sulphate of berberine and 
morphine, to an ounce of water; apply to the affected 
parts, three or four times daily. Or use chloride of zinc, 
two grains ; to an ounce of water. Lint when due to some 
constitutional disturbance, treatment will have to be in 
accord with the trouble. 

OBSTRUCTION OF THE LACHRYMAL DUCT. 

The lachrymal ducts are openings situated at the inner 
angle of the eye, and terminating in the lower extremity 
of the nostril, and are intended for the escape of the tears 
or lachrymal fluid. 
Causes — 

Swelling from inflammation of the eye, colds, 
closing of the extremity by mucous or dust. 
Symptoms — 

An overflow of tears over the outside of the 
face, sometimes fever. 
Treatment — 

Open them by steaming the head, by the in- 



78 ' 

traduction of a small silver probe, the forcing of liquid 
through them from the lower extremity by suitable 
syringe, the introduction of the solution recommended 
for inflamed lids into the eye and through the duct by 
means of the syringe. 

CONJUNCTIVITIS— EXTERNAL OPTHALMIA. 

An acute inflammation of the conjunctiva, or mem- 
* brane covering the outer portion of the ball, and the in- 
ner portion of the lids. 
Causes — 

Are generally local in character; such as 
blows, or the introduction of any irritating substance into 
the eyes, sometimes it is an accompaniment of catarrhal 
fever or pink eye. 
Symptoms — 

Redness of the eye and membranes, copious 
flow of tears, the cornea is of a bluish opacpie appear- 
ance ; usually the temperature is somewhat elevated, but 
not always. 
Treatment — 

Remove all local causes, as fas as possible, 
Have stables clean to prevent the accumulation of 
ammonia. Have the stall partially darkened, bathe 
the eyes in some cooling lotion or simple cold 
water, then treat with the following: Two grains, each. 
of morphine, berbenine, and atropine in one ounce of 
water; a few drops in the eyes three or four times daily. 
Should opacity of the cornea result from the disease, 
drop into the eyes, once or twice daily, a few drops of a 
solution of three grains of nitrate of silver, in an ounce 
of water. 



79 
INTERNAL OPHTHALMIA. 

Causes- - 

Are usually the same as for external ophthal- 
mia except they are intensified; and in addition may be 
those of digestive troubles, disordered liver, exposure to 
extremes of weather, getting wet when perspiring, or 
plunging into cold streams, brain troubles. Also to the 
persistent irritation of the jaws during dentition; and 
while the animal may become affected with the mjalady 
at any time during life, if he passes unaffected through 
this stage, to that of the fully matured horse, he is not 
nearly so susceptible to it; and it is for this reason that 
most men have the idea that a horse will never go blind 
after a certain age. 

Symptoms — 

Vary according to the cause, if the trouble be 
due to local or physical injury, the conjunctiva may show 
as severe inflammation as do the inner structures ; but if 
from constitutional disorders, it may be confined to the 
inner eye, and the inflammation of the superficial mem- 
branes will be less noticeable. There will be a whitish 
ring around the cornea, if the inflammation be sereve, 
and of some days' standing; there may be seen in the 
lower portion of the chamber of the eye, a deposit which 
has the appearance of pus ; there is extreme snsitiveness 
to a strong light ; the lids are usually closed, but if opened 
it will be observed that the pupil is much contracted, even 
though having been kept in a dark stall, although there 
are exceptions to this. When the retina has become par- 
alyzed by excessive inflammatory exudation into the 
-lobe of the eye, or into the substance of the retina it- 



So 

self, then the pupil m;ay be dilated and the ball become 
hard and tense. 
Treatment — 

Remove any local cause, keep in darkened 
quarters, avoid exposure, open the bowels by the admin- 
istration of six or eight drams powdered aloes. If due to 
rheumatism, give half ounce salicylate of soda, three 
times daily; and same amount nitrate of potash in drink- 
ing water, three times a day. Use the lotion advised in 
conjunctivitis, blister beneath the eyes, or beneath the 
ears; in severe cases puncture of the eyeball is advisable, 
but should only be attempted by the competent surgeon. 
Inject into the eye, three times daily, a few drops of a 
solution of atropia; four or five grains in one ounce of 
water; this should be continued for a month or more after 
the subsidence of all active inflammation. Although the 
solution of atropia causes the pupil to have the appear- 
ance of a case of blindness from glaucoma, and is often 
resorted to by the horse jockey to cause his neighbor's 
horse to be virtually blind for several days, it is in no way 
injurious; and the effect will pass off in a few days, if let 
alone, or, it may be counteracted in a very short time by 
the hypodermic administration of from one-half to one 
grain of hydro-chlorate of pilocarpine. 

PERIODIC OPHTHALMIA— MOON BLINDNESS. 

Is an inflammation of the internal structures of the 
eye. 
Causes — 

Are attributed to damp soils, marshy grounds, 
soils that are frequently inundated by the overflow of 
rivers. It is very prevalent in the Southern United States, 



81 

but in the high lands of the northwest it is seldom met 
with. The period of dentition also has a tendency to pro- 
duce it ; local irritation must also be considered as one 
of the primary causes, unwholesome food, intestinal 
worms, debilitating' disease, over work ; in fact, anything 
that weakens the general system, renders it more suscep- 
tible to an attack of this kind. But the most potent cause 
is heredity, and an animal that has once been afflicted, 
should under no circumstances be used for breeding pur- 
poses, whether it be mare or stallion. 
Symptoms — 

In some cases there is high fever, while in 
others it is scarcely perceptible, but there is always de- 
pression and lack of energy. The local symptoms vary 
but little from those of internal ophthalmia; six or seven 
days after the attack the floculi will be seen to have drop- 
ped into the lower part of the chamber, at which time 
the process of absorption begins, and the eye begins to 
clear up, and in two weeks or soon after from the begin- 
ning of the attack the eye is (to the mind of the casual 
observer) as good as ever ; but not so, for it will recur 
again and again, until the eye is totally blind. The ears 
are generally carried very erect ; the affected eye looks 
smaller than the other, the upper eye lid presents a pe- 
culiar appearance, instead of representing a continuous 
arch, there is an abrupt bend about one-third of its length 
from the inner angle, caused by the contraction of its 
levator muscle. 

Treatment — 

Is far from satisfactory, but if attempted, dif- 
fers very little from that of internal ophthalmia. During 



82 

recovery, give two grains powdered sulphate of strych- 
nine on the tongue, night and morning, after feeding; 
continue until muscular twitchings are noticed, when 
it should be discontinued for a week or ten days; then 
begin the administration of the drug again, and continue 
until the same physiological effect has again been pro- 
duced. 

AMAUROSIS— PARALYSIS OF THE OPTIC 

NERVE. 
Causes — 

Are tumors or other diseases of the brain, in- 
jury to the nerve from disease of the eye, pressure of the 
nerve from dropsical effusion, profuse haemorrhage, over 
distenton of the stomach from pressure of the foal in the 
uterus. 
Symptoms — 

Pupils widely dilated, showing no dilatation or 
contraction from different degrees of light and darkness 
Treatment — 

Is of no avail, except when the malady is only 
symptomatic of some removable cause, as congestion 
of the brain, over loaded stomach, pregnancy, etc. Should 
the termination of these conditions be not followed by 
recovery, apply blisters behind the ears, and give two 
grains powdered sulphate of strychnine on tongue ; twice 
daily. 

LAMENESS. 
Causes — 

The causes are legion, and we will mention 
only the most common ones, as we come to them, by far 



83 

the most prolific cause is corns, they being generally sit- 
uated on the inner quarters of the front feet, and are 
most frequently the result of throwing too much weight 
on the sole of the quarter by improper paring when 
shoeing; sometimes they are the result of contraction of 
the feet. 

Symptoms — 

Vary in degree, according to the extent of 

affected tissue; lameness is slight at the start, hut rapidly 
increases from day to day; if the foot be tapped with the 
hammer, he will evince pain when the blow is near the 
affected part, or if pressure be used over the sensitive 
portion he quickly jerks away from it. If he has corns 
in both feet, he will point first one then the other; should 
they be slight, he may warm out of the lameness after 
traveling some distance; but if they be severe, and espe- 
cially if they be suppurating corns, he will continue very 
lame. Exercise does not diminish it ; he refuses to put his 
weight on the affected member, he barely touches the 
toe to the ground, increased heat will be felt by the hand 
in the lame foot. 

Treatment — 

Remove the shoes, pare out the sole down to 
the bottom of the corn, into the quick, if necessary; pare 
off the wall sufficiently to relieve all pressure of the shoe 
to the affected part. Replace the shoe, soak the foot in 
hot water for half an hour, and drop a few drops of muri- 
atic acid in the corn (being careful not to touch the 
skin with it), then pack under the shoe with oakum sat- 
urated with coal tar, remove the oakum once a day and 
apply the acid, and replace the oakum; continue until it 
is well. 



84 

CONTRACTION OF THE WALLS OF THE FEET. 

Causes — 

Fever, laminitis, thrush sprained tendous, nav- 
icular disease, corns, standing on plank floors, wearing 
the shoes too long without resetting; in fact, any lame- 
ness that causes the horse to favor the foot, he does not 
throw sufficient weight on it to spread it naturally, some- 
time both feet contract from the same cause, or causes. 

Treatment — 

Remove the cause, if possible, take off the 

shoes, pare the feet down to the proper dimensions, pare 
the sole as thin as it will bear, or until it will give under 
the pressure of the thumb, leave the frog as full as pos- 
sible. Take the ordinary hoof knife and cut a crease 
from the coronet to the toe, directly in the front of the 
hoof; then cut two on each side in the same manner, 
leaving a space of one to two inches between the 
creases ; now concave the foot from the heel to the quar- 
ter. Make the shoe to slope from the inner edge to the 
outer edge, from the quarter to the heel, make it fit per- 
fectly; then nail on, being careful to get no nail back of 
the quarter. Anoint the hoof and sole twice a day, with a 
mixture of equal parts of boiled linseed oil and glyce- 
rine ; this will soften as well as toughen the horny sub- 
stance, and when the weight is brought to bear on the 
sloping surface of the shoe, the foot easily expands. Blis- 
ter once a week around the coronet with the fly bliste\. 
GRAVEL. 
May work up between the wall and lamina of the 
foot and cause serious lameness. 
Symptoms — 

Severe lameness, increased heat in the part, 



85 

sooner or later swelling at the coronet, and subsequent 

suppuration. 

Treatment — 

Pare away the hoof and sole in the vicinity of 
its entrance; probe the wound to see if the offending 
matter still remains, if so, remove it; syringe the 
wound (»uee a- day with dioxogen ; then with a solution 
of one dram of iodoform, in one ounce of sulphuric ether. 
Do this night and morning, after soaking in hot water 
half an hour; keep the wound covered, to prevent the 
introduction of dirt or a second gravel. Should there be 
.in inclination to exuberant granulation or proud flesh, 
dress twice a day with a solution of one ounce of chloride 
of /.inc ; to one quart of water. 

CANKER. 

Canker sometimes results from badly treated cases of 
wounds of the feet, unsanitary conditions, etc. It is 
really due to a vegetable parasite. The development of 
ranker is dependent upon moisture, or in othr words, the 
parasite cannot exist without moisture; thus filthy sta- 
bles and muddy roads are favorable to the setting up of 
the disease ; it is very seldom seen in high, dry districts, 
and then, only in rainy seasons; thus we readily see that 
wounds of the feet, thrush, etc., which expose the soft 
l issues, renders the animal more susceptible to the trou- 
ble by furnishing free ingress to the parasite. The odor 
is exceedingly offensive. 
Symptoms — 

The disease may affect all of the feet at once, 
or attack first one then anothr, until all are affected; but 
it is in the majority of cases confined to one foot, when 



86 

resulting from a wound it is always so. It usually com- 
mences in the frog, and spreads rapidly to the sole and 
sometimes to the sensitive lamina of the foot; it is most 
prevalent in heavy draught horses of lymphatic tempera- 
ment. 

Treatment — 

Is tedious and often very unsatisfactory. The 
first step should be the removal by a competent surgeon 
of all the diseased parts, but if one cannot be had, the 
best treatment is, first, to soak the foot in not water, to 
which has been added carbolic acid, in proportion of one 
ounce to one gallon of water; then cover the affected 
part with charcoal that has been corbolized ; dress in this 
way once a day. Or, apply powdered sulphate of copper; 
or strong solution of chloride of zinc; or carbolic acid, 
one part, and glycerine, five parts. Keep as dry as possi- 
ble, when one of these remedies seems to lose its salutary 
effect, try another; be persistent and success may crown 
your efforts. 

RINGBONE. 

Is an exotasis or bony growth on the pastern, and may 
embrace the upper or lower joint, or both. 
Causes — 

Sprains, blows, or other causes that produce 
an inflammation of the periosteum, (or covering of the 
bone), thus causing it to throw out plastic matter. It 
may also be hereditary, 

Symptoms — 

When the exostosis begins to form, the animal 
starts off lame but warms out of it ; rqore or less heat in 






8? 

the ankle of the affected limb. If in the front limb, the 
heel strikes the ground first ; and if in the hind limb, 
the toe strikes it first, unless the growth is under the 
front tendon, or involves the navicular bone; in which 
case, the heel strikes the ground first. ' 

Treatment — 

If in the front, apply a thin-heeled bar shoe ; 
if behind, apply a high-heeled shoe with short toe ; ex- 
cept in cases where for reasons already mentioned, the 
heel strikes the ground first, then apply a thin-he'led 
shoe. Fire with the heated points ; and apply every 
fourth day the blistering ointment compose of two ounces 
of vaseline ; one-half ounce powdered cantharides ; and 
three drams of bin-iodide of mercury ; it may be necessa- 
ry to repeat the firing in three or four weeks. Give aDso- 
lute rest. 

SIDE BONE. 
Causes — 

The causes are much the same as for ring 
bone. 
Symptoms and Treatment — 

Same as cases of ring bone. In cases that are 
incurable by any of these methods of treatment, either 
in ring bone or side bone, the operation of neurotomy 
may be performed as a last resort, but this must be per- 
formed by a competent veterinary surgeon. 

SPLINTS. 
Causes — 

Splints are of the same nature as the ring bone, but 



are situated on the cannon bone below the knee ; usually 
on the inside. 

Causes — 

Splints are usually the the result of bruises of 
the bone, concussion from fast driving on hard roads, and 
it may be on the surface, or it may be under the perios- 
teum ; if the former, it seldom causes serious lameness ; 
but otherwise, it is extremely painful. 

Symptoms — 

In the early stage the animal goes sound in a 

walk, but goes lame if made to trot, especially if the 
trouble be near the knee joint ; in the later stage, an 
exostosus or bony lump is plainly visible ; and if one inch 
or more below the knee, and well" forward on the can- 
non bone, it is not likely to do much harm ; but if near 
the joint, or far enough back on the cannon bone to press 
on the metacarpal nerves, it will be a source of severe 
lameness. 
Treatment — 

Fire and blister as for ring bone. Or, open the 
skin over the enlargement at the lower extremity and 
pass a small blade of a knife, flat ways, up under the 
skin and turn the edge toward the growth, and press 
hard and draw the knife back ; repeat this on different 
portions of the enlargement, until the surface is well 
marked by the knife ; thus allowing free egress to the 
inflammatory exudate. This operation is called perios- 
teotomy. 

BONE SPAVIN. 

Is an exostosis or bony tumor usually on the lower and 
inner part of the hock joint, is a result of an inflamma- 
tion of the cuniform and metatarsal bones ; or, it may be 



*9 

occult or unseen. 

Causes — 

Are concussions applied to the parts, or exten- 
sion of inflammation of the interosseous ligaments, and 
in the occult form the space between the cuniform and 
metatarsal bones may be fdled up with ossific matter; but 
there is no visible outward formation of bone. It is also 
undoubtedly hereditary in many cases. 

Symptoms — 

In its incipiency there is lameness, more or 
less severe, according to the extent of the lesion ; ther.e 
is a peculiar stiffness of the limb exhibited in backing, or 
moving from side to side; he goes off on the toe, but as 
he progresses the lameness gradually becomes less until 
it almost entirely disappears, from the fact that move- 
ment of the limb causes the synovial or joint oil to be 
secreted in greater abundance, and the joint is thor- 
oughly lubricated and the pain is remjoved. When stand- 
ing the secretion ceases, and the parts become dry and 
there is frictoin and consequent lameness ; the parts show 
heat and tenderness to pressure. By standing about a 
yard from the shoulder, the enlargement may be more 
readily discerned just above the upper end of the can- 
non bone. 

Treatment — 

Is not always successful, failure is generally 
due to ignorance ; or failure to persist long enough ; espe- 
cially if the animal be young. In the majority of young 
horses affected, a cure may be accomplished ; the gen- 
eral treatment is the same as for ring bone and splint. 
There are other operations to which recourse may be 



90 

iiad when tUese means fail, viz.: Tenotomy and neuroto- 
my, but they must be left to the surgeon or some one 
acquainted with the anatomy of the parts. It is a com- 
mon practice among unscrupulous dealers to inject a 
four per cent solution Of cocaine, hypodermically, over 
the point of lameness; and he goes sound for an hour or 
more, in which time he may be shown without danger of 
the lameness being detected; but if anything of the kind 
be suspected, keep the animal under your eye for two 
hours, and if he has been cocained it will die out by that 
length of time, and he will go as lame as ever. The same 
trick is resorted to in cases of ring bone and splint, and 
may be detected in the same way. It is also a common 
practice among the same class of traders, when they have 
a horse with a bone spavin, to produce on the opposte 
joint an enlargement of about the same dimensions, and 
in this way render the trouble less noticeable ; it is done 
by puncturing the skin at the top of the place they wish 
to enlarge and introducing a small stick of nitrate of 
silver, which causes a thickening of the tissues and skin, 
and gives it the same appearance as the other side. They 
will say, if it is detected, that it is natural ; the animal 
was foaled that way ; but if you examine it you will dis- 
cover at once that it is simply thickened tissue, for it will 
move about with a little manipulation, while the genu- 
ine spavin is hard and immovable; it is known as caus- 
ticking*. 

QUITTOR, OR FISTULA OF THE FOOT. 

Usually results from nail wounds, gravel, suppurating 
corns, etc. Generally appears on the inner quarter, but 
may be on the outside. 



OT 

Symptoms — 

The horse goes lame for some time before any 
swelling appears; when the foot swells at the coronet 
and in the course of two or three days the pus breaks 
through at the point of greatest prominence, the escape 
oi tlu- pus somewhat relieves the pain which has been in- 
tense, so much so, that he will scarcely allow the member 
to touch the ground; after two or three days of discharge 
the tissues around the opening assume a purplish hue 
become soft, pus spreads each way, but more towards the' 
front, the fistulous sinuses or pipes extend in all direc- 
tions; and it allowed to go without treatment, the walls 
of the pipes become much thickened and hardened and 
the enlargement at the coronet grows rapidly ; there is a 
tendency to walk on the heel with the toe turned up 
Treatment — 

Poultice with hot flax seed, carbolized • open 
at the sole to allow the escape of pus, introduce nitrate 
oi silver, or chloride of zinc well down into the opening 
at the top, and plug the opening to keep the caustic in 
the wound, allow it to remain for forty-eight hours then 
syringe out with dioxogen as recommended for gravel 
and same treatment, otherwise; if necessary repeat the' 
caustic application, should it not yield to this treatment 
remove a portion of the wall to allow free escape of pus 
and treat as before. P 

SAND, OR QUARTER CRACK 
Causes — 

The hoof is hard and inelastic on account of 
poor assimilation and insufficient nutrition of the hoof 
and in this condition they are unable to withstand the 
heavy concusson to wheh they are subjected, consequent- 



gz 

ly they crack. Sometimes only the outside of the wall 
cracks, it does not reach the sensitive portion and He 
is not apt to go lame ; but in other cases the wali cracks 
right through, when severe lameness ensues ; he points 
or extends the injured member. 
Treatment — 

Remove the shoe ; remove the bearing from 
the injured quarter, and if cracked through into the 
quick, pare out the edges so they do not meet and pinch 
the sensitive portion with every step ; then either cut or 
burn a narrow crease above and crossways of the crack', 
clear through the wall. Keep the foot well anointed 
with the softening mixture recommended in contrac- 
tion of the hoofs, and use the blistering ointment in the 
same way. Allow the animal to wear a bar shoe. 
SEEDY TOE. 

Is due to some injury to the toe, and is characterized 
by a dry, easily broken substance between the wall and 
the sensitive portion of the foot at the toe ; this sub- 
stance consists of the decayed lamina of the hoof. 
Treatment — 

I Remove all decayed matter, pare the wall and 

sole away until there is no pressure from shoe at that 
point ; pour the space full of hot pitch, and fill with oak- 
um ; apply the shoe. Dress once a week in samle way and 
apply blister to coronet. 

NAIL WOUNDS. 

Are received in various ways, sometimes they are 
pricked in shoeing. 
Symptoms — 

Sudden lameness; and if in the hind foot, he 



93 

usually walks on the toe, regardless of the location of the 
wound; if severe the temperature will be high, excessive 
pain, especially if in hind foot, or if the tendon or navicu- 
lar joint is wounded; in such cases there will be a dis- 
charge of synovia or joint oil. In some cases loss of ap- 
petite, continual holding up of the foot, the leg usually 
swells, there is great heat and tenderness in the leg and 
foot ; thre is a hard, hot swelling in the pit of the heel. 

Treatment — 

Pare out the sole until the wound is located ; 
then pare out well to the quick, and well around it to 
remove pressure as much as possible, soak the foot for 
half an hour in carbolized water, as hot as can be borne 
by the hand, then treat the wound as for gravel. Give at 
once a pill of powdered aloes, one ounce; and of ginger, 
three drams; should the pain be excessive, cover the 
wound with solid extract of belladonna, after having 
made the other applications. If there seems to be a 
probability of tetanus, give internally, one to two drams 
solid extract of canabis indica, every four hours, until 
the severity of the symptoms abates. 

LAMINITIS— INFLAMMATION OF THE LAMINA 

OF THE FEET, COMMONLY CALLED 

FOUNDER. 
Causes — 

Are many, the most common arc hard driving, 
exhaustion, concussion of the feet, sudden changes of 
temperature, superpurgation, metastasis, or moving of 
fever from some other part of the body to the feet; drink- 



94 

ing large draughts of cold water when in a heated condi- 
tion, driving through streams or ponds, or washing the 
feet and legs in cold water while the animal is hot, thus 
producing a congestion of the foot, by preventing the 
return of the blood from the feet. 
Symptoms — 

Pulse full, hard and much accelerated. Temperature 
perature anywhere from 102 degrees F. to 106 degrees F., 
uusally ranging from 102 degrees F. to 106 degrees F. 
Respiration rapid and panting, the facial expression indi- 
cates acute suffering ; the nostrils dilated, the mucous 
membranes highly injected, more or less perspiration, 
urine scant and high colored, great thirst, appetite usu- 
ally impaired. The affected members dry and hot to the 
hand, very sensitive to tapping or jarring, the pulsation 
of the metacarpal artery (if in the front feet, and the 
metatarsal, if in the hind feet) mlay be distinctly felt by 
the finger. The fore feet are more likely to become 
affected than the hind ones, from the fact that they bear 
the greater part of the animal's weight, and are there- 
fore more subject to concussion ; it may affect one foot, or 
all of them ; when both fore feet are affected, the peculiar 
mode of progression is very marked; he keeps the front 
feet extended as far in front as possible, in order that the 
heels may receive the weight instead of throwing it on 
the toe, for the inflammation seems to be mostly in the 
toe ; the hind feet are brought well forward under the 
body, in order to relieve the affected members of the 
weight of the body as much as possible. If he be com- 
pelled to move the lameness is extreme ; but after mov- 
ing a short distance the pain seems to decrase, and he 



95 

walks better, he usually retains the standing position 
until nearly recovered. But in some cases he will lie 
down nearly all the time; when down, he usually stretch- 
es out the head Hal on the -round, the feet and legs ex- 
tended; if the trouble be in the hind feet, the. front ones 
will be set well back to receive all the weight possible; 
the hind feet assume the same position they did when 
the affection was in the front feet, but for a different 
purpose, it is for the same reason that the front ones 
were extended when they were affected, viz.: to throw 
the weight on the heels instead of the toe. He seldom 
stands long at a time. 

Treatment — 

Clothe the body warmly, place the feet in 
hot water for an hour, then replace the warm with cold 
water; reduce his temperature by giving fifteen drops 
ot tincture of aconite root, every two hours. Give one 
ounce, nitrate of potash, in drinking water, three times 
a day. If the bowels are constipated, give from two to 
tour drams aloes. If the animal is lying down the feet 
may be kept damp by the use of cloths wrapped about 
them, and kept continually wet. After five or six days, if 
the symptoms have not greatly decreased, apply a can- 
fharidal blister to the coronet, and omit the nitrate of 
potash; repeat the blister in two or three days if the 
soreness is not relieved. If the case has become chronic; 
3 find he may be greatly benefited, by hollowing the foot 
in front in such a manner as to take all pressure from 
the toe (when the shoe is on) for a space of half the 
width of the foot. Keep the feet well aunointed with the 
glycerine and oil used in contraction. 



9 6 

PUMICED FEET. 

Is the result of delayed or improper treatment of acute 
laminitis, the sensitive and the insensitive lamina are sep- 
arated by the infiltration of serum and the consequent 
soaking apart; thus allowing the bones to rest on the 
sole and push t down in the center. 

Symptoms — 

The sole is convex instead of concave, in other 

words, it bulges downward. 
Treatment — 

May palliate but never cures. If it is not too 
bad, shoeing with shoes well concaved on the bearing 
surface, to keep all pressure from the sole, will alleviate 

the trouble. 

THRUSH. 

Is an ulceration of the frog. 

Causes- - ~ 

Filthy stalls, failure to keep feet clean. 

Symptoms — 

There is a discharge of black offensive matter 

from the cleft between the heels, animal sometimes lame, 
but not often. 

Treatment — 

Pare off all dead or ragged tissue, cleanse 

and insert chloride of zinc in solution, one ounce chlo- 
ride, to four ounces water ; saturate cotton and pack the 
opening. Or drop a few drops muriatic acid in them 
once a day, being careful not to touch the skin. 
NAVICULAR LAMENESS. 
Is caused by an inflammation of the tendon, known 
as the flexor pedis or the navicular bone itself; it is situ- 



97 

ated within the walls just above the f rog ; this inflamma- 
tion may he the result of nail wound, or by contraction 
of the wall. 
Causes — 

When at rest he points with the affected foot, 
if but one be affected ; but if he suffers in both, he points 
first with one and then with the other. He goes out very 
lame, but as he goes farther, the lameness decreases ; but 
does not go entirely sound ; the toes strike the ground 
first, and he is liable to stumble on that account. If the 
fool be examined, the pit of the heel will show tender- 
ness on pressure, and usually some swelling. 
Treatment — 

Prepare the foot and shoe in exactly the same 
way as for contraction, except to pare down the frog 
as much as possible, ami raise the heels of the shoe to 
rpevent the frog from striking the ground; and to re- 
lieve tension on the tendon. Keep in hot poultices or 
hot water for ten days or two weeks ; if at the end of that 
time there be swelling in the hollow of the pastern, apply 
a fly blister; but if there be no swelling, do not blister. 
Keep foot soft with oil and glycerine. When a bogus 
trader owns a horse lame in only one foot from navicu- 
lar or other trouble, he sometimes has the other foot 
pared so thin at the toe as to cause the pressure of the 
shoe to render him slightly lame in that one; thus giving 
him the appearance of having what is known as a rolling 
gait, and he passes with the unsophisticated as a sound 
horse. 

BOG SPAVIN. 

Is an enlargement situated on the front part of the 



98 

hock joint, caused by an inflammation of the joint, which 
extends to the synovia bursa, or sack containing the syno- 
vial fluid, joint oil ; it is soft and fluctuating to the touch, 
it very seldom causes lameness. 
Treatment — 

It may be removed by persistent use of blis- 
ters, the same as used in ring bone and spavin ; but the 
best ad most humane treatment, is by the application of 
the bog spavin truss, which can be obtained from any 
veterinary instrument maker. 

THOROUGH PIN. 

Is of the same nature as bog spavin, and what is 
usually designated as wind galls, and is produced by the 
same causes ; but is situated at the top part of the joint, 
forming an enlargement directly between the oscalcis or 
point of the hock, and the rest of the joint. 

Treatment — 

Same as for bog spavin, and in the majority of 
cases where one exists, the other is likely to be present ; 
if so, and it is desired to use the truss, ther is a combi- 
nation of the bog spavin and thorough pin truss, that 
may also be obtained from the same source. 

BLOOD SPAVIN. 

Is an enlargement of the front and inner part of the 
hock joint, and is due to the distention of the saphena 
vein as it passes over the region of the bone spavin ; it is 
soft and easily rubbed down; it seldom causes lame- 
ness. 
Treatment — 






99 

Should be the same as for bog spavin and 
thorough pin. 

CURB. 

Is an enlargement on the back part of the hock, below 
the cap or point. 
Causes — 

Sprains and consequent inflammation of the 
calcaneocuboid ligament; usually caused by running, 
jumping, rearing, etc. 

Symptoms — 

If of recent origin, there is heat and tender- 
ness to the touch, lameness, which does not decrease, 
but seems to grow worse with exercise. Stand to one 
side of the animal and opposite the hocks, and you will 
perceive, just below the hock, a fullness, which destroys 
the straight line observed in the normal limb, from the 
point of the hock, to the fetlock joint. 

Treatment — 

Bathe the parts well with the following, three 
times a day, for a week, or until all inflammation has 
subsided : Two ounces, each, spirits camphor, spirits 
nitre, tincture arnica, tincture of opium, and one ounce 
of tincture of iodine, and seven ounces extract of Witch 
I lazel. After each application, bandage with flannel ban- 
dage, wet in boiling water, and run on as hot as the hand 
can bear; when all inflammation has subsided, fire and 
apply the blister used for ring bone and spavin. 

SPRAIN OF THE BACK TENDON. 

Is a very common occurrence; its causes are numer- 

LcfC 



100 / 

ous, among which are running, jumping, slipping, step- 
ping on some small object with the toe, allowing no 
support for the heel ; one, or all, of the tendons and liga- 
ments may be inplicated in the lesion. 

Symptoms — 

Severe lameness, heat and tenderness of the 
parts, usually more or less swelling; if pressed hard 
the annual will rear up, in his effort to release the sensi- 
tve member from your grasp ; if at rest, he puts the foot 
forward with the ankle joint flexed. 

Treatment — 

Apply a high heeled shoe to relieve the ten- 
sion, and give subsequent treatment as for curb. Admin- 
ister a purge of aloes, seven or eight drams ; allow perfect 
rest. This is another injury which is simulated by the 
trickery of the rogue ; he will take a small hair from the 
mane or tail, place it in a straight surgeon's needle and 
slip it through the limb immediately in front of the large 
tendon, about naif way between the knee and fetlock, 
cut the ends just a lttle shorter than the hair on the leg 
and leave it there, it soon produces an inflammation and 
swelling and being in such close proxim(ity to the met- 
acarpal nerve, the animal soon becomes very lame ; and 
if the perpetrator of the outrage has been careful to select 
hair of the same color as that on the limb, it is a 'matter 
of impossibility to relieve it, unless there be a knowl- 
edge of the trick, in which case it is very easy to shave 
off the hair and see the point of entrance or exit and 
remove it, and the animal soon recovers his usual condi- 
tion, with little or no treatment, and the object of the 
rascal is defeated. Should your animal become suddenly 



tot 

lame in this region, and does not respond co treatment, 
look out for the fraud. 

CAPPED HOCK. 

Is an enlargement at the point of the hock, usually re- 
sulting from a bruise and subsequent infiltration of an in- 
flammatory exudate ; they do not usually cause lameness. 
Treatment — 

If recent, give same treatment as that of curb, 
remove all chance of continued bruising. Should the 
tumor become filled with pus, it must be evacuated by 
the use of a narrow bistoury, inserted at its lower ex- 
tremity. If its contents are of a serous nature, draw off 
with a small trochar and canula; cleanse well by syring- 
ing out with dioxogen, and, if the thickening continues, 
inject pure carbolic acid, one part, and 'glycerine, two 
parts. Or pure tincture of iodine or sanurated solution 
of iodide of potash ; apply tincture of iodine to the ex- 
terior, once or twice daily. 

CAPPED ELBOW OR SHOE BOIL. 
Causes — 

Bruises from the heel of the front foot while 
lying down, or bruising on hard floor. 
Symptoms — 

An enlargement at the elbow joint, hot and 
painful. 
Treatment — 

Same as for capped hock ; except that when 
all else fails, it must be removed either by the knife, 
ligature or cautery; dress subsequent to excision with 
oxide of zinc, twice daily. 



102 

CAPPED KNEE. 

Is a swollen oedematous condition of the front of the 
knee. 

Causes — 

Bruising the parts in various ways. 
Symptoms — 

The swelling is hot and painful. 

Treatment — 

Same as for capped hock, except the tumor 
should always be evacuated by small trochar and canula. 
Sometimes the skin of the knee is broken, if such be the 
case, thoroughly cleanse by first opening at the lower ex- 
tremity the sack or pocket, almost universally existing 
below the break in the skin ; and syringe out, first with 
warm carbolized water, then with dioxogen. Carefully 
close the wound with interrupted sutures; have him shod 
with a shoe reaching well back of the heels, have a hole 
through the heel of shoe on each side, now have a steel 
brace made long enough to reach from the shoe to a 
point just below the elbow, with the lower end forked to 
fit into the holes in the shoe to prevent turning ; at the 
top of the brace fasten crossways a piece of strap iron, 
two inches wide, and bend in such a manner as to form 
a half circle, or to fit the leg at the point designated ; pad 
the circle to prevent injury to the leg, now fasten the 
lower, or forked end, of the brace to the heels of the shoe 
with the shaft of the brace directly behind the limb ; place 
two bandages around the brace and leg together, one 
above and one below the knee, thus holding the knee 
straight and preventing the breaking of the sutures, tie 
the head up so he cannot bite the wound; cover the 
wound with absorbent cotton, fasten with roller bandage, 



io 3 

then keep damp with solution of one ounce, each, of chlo- 
ride of zinc, and carbolic acid, in two quarts of water. 

KNEE SPRUNG. 

Is too well known to call for description ; it is a peculiar 
flexion of the knee, giving it a bowed appearance; it is 
caused by sprain or injury to the suspensory ligaments, 
causing contraction, and makes the animal unsteady on 
the feet, often causing him to stumble and fall to his 
knees ; it seldom causes lameness. 
Treatment — 

Is of no avail except in very recent cases, and 
not often then ; but if attempted, rub in well the blister 
used in spavin and ring bone, over the back tendons and 
side, or suspensory ligaments; apply once a week, turn 
out to a long rest in pasture. 

COCKED ANKLES. 

A nuckling forward of the ankle joints, results from 
sprains of the suspensory ligaments, lameness in the 
synovia bursa of the perforans tendon, thrush, corns, 
<|tiittor, navicular disease, nail wounds, etc. Anything 
that causes the horse to rest the heels, in such manner 
as to allow the inflamed tendon and ligaments to con- 
tract, the knuckling is not a disease in itself, only a symp- 
tom of disease. 

Treatment — 

Remove the cause, and the symptos will usu- 
ally disappear and leave the ankle in a normal condition ; 
in some cases of long standing, the contraction is so 
great that it is impossible to affect a cure, except by 
surgical interference; in which cases the operation of 



104 

tenotomy, should be performed, but this requires the 
services of the veterinary surgeon. 

SHOULDER LAMENESS. 
Causes — 

Sprain of the muscles or ligaments around the 
joint. 
Symptoms — 

Lameness, the shoulder and leg carried for- 
ward altogether, the leg carried with an outward swing- 
ing motion, no knee action ; it is impossible to raise the 
leg over any object of considerable height, but the limb 
is dragged over; there is heat and tenderness, usually 
some swelling. 

Treatment — 

Foment with hot water three or four times 
daily, for half or three-quarters of an hour, and when 
thoroughly dried, rub well with the linament recom- 
mended for sprain of the back tendon ; or with campho- 
rated soap liniment. After the inflammation subsides, 
apply the blistering ointment used in spavin and ring- 
bone; or still better insert a seton over the seat of lame- 
ness ; let it go just beneath the skin, smear the with a 
little fly blister, or fluid extract of poke root, twice a 
week ; allow the seton to remain two or three weeks in 
slight cases ; and from three to six weeks in bad cases, 
use clean strips of muslin for setons, wash the shoul- 
der once a day with hot water, to keep as clean as possi- 
ble. 

STIFLE LAMENESS. 

Is caused by sprains of the ligaments of the joint; 
Symptoms — 

A peculiar lameness, being more severe in 



io5 

going up hill than elsewhere, and a leaning from the 
affected side in going down grade, it seems to be an 
effort to bring the limb forward and the line of motion 
forms a segment or semi-circle; it is carried further for- 
ward than when in a normal condition; he rests the 
limb when at rest, there is tenderness on pressure. 
Treatment — 

Appply high heeled shoe, raise heels one and 
one-half inches; apply hot water continuously for half 
an hour, three times daily; rub dry, and then rub well 
with the liniment used for sprained tendons. As soon as 
the inflammation subsides, blister thoroughly all round 
and over the joint, with the blister used in spavin. Give 
absolute rest, and repeat the blister once a week until a 
cure is affected. 

Is known by the position of the limb; it; protrudes 
as far backward as possible, the front of the foot resting 
on the ground, he is utterly powerless to bring- it for- 
ward. 
Treatment — 

Have a shoe made with an eye in the toe, large 
enough to admit a half inch rope; have it nailed on the 
toot of the affected limb, tie the end of the rope Into the 
eye of the shoe; have an assistant to take hold of the 
rope and pull the foot forward, while the operator presses 
the joint toward the flank with power enough to force it 
into its place; this accomplished, put a collar and hames 
on the animal and tie the rope to the name in such man- 
ner as to hold the foot as far forward as if he were stand- 
ing natura u y now apply the b'ister as for stifle lameness; 
leave the rope and shoe on for five or six days, when it 



io6 

niay be removed ; but the animal must be kept quiet and 
the bister repeated once a week for four or five weeks . 
Hip Joint Lameness — 

Is of very rare occurrence in the otherwise heal- 
thy animal, it is an inflammation of the head of tro- 
chanter, hip bone. 
Symptoms — 

There is a hopping motion, with an apparent 
catch in the affected limb, the whole quarter is moved 
with but little motion or flexion of the hip joint; when 
standing he wi 11 be observed to often e^vate the foot 
as if in great pain; there is a distinct swelling of the 
region, heat, pain caused by pressure or percussion, c- tro- 
phy or shrinking of the hip soon ensues. 
Treatment — 

Is essentially that of shoulder joint lameness 
persistency used ; high heeled shoe, with absohite rest for 
an indefinite period. 

ELBOW JOINT LAMENESS. 
Causes — 

Disease of the joint, sprains of the lateral liga- 
ments, laceration of the triceps, extensor brachii muscle,, 
and giving way of the muscles of the olecranon or elbow 
joint. 
Symptoms — 

Extreme lameness, the knee and lower part of 
leg flexed, the toe resting on the ground with the heel 
raised when standing; when in motion there is an entire 
dropping of the who'e front part of the body, no weight 
being carried on the disabled member ; often swelling" 
heat and pain in the muscles of the elbow, or there may 



io7 t 

appear a depression near the back or posterior border of 
the scapula, or shoulder b'ade. 
Treatment — 

Consists in giving perfect and absolute quiet and 
rest, allowing- as little exercise as possible; bathe fre- 
quently with some cooling or anodyne application. Any 
srnal' wound or puncture on or near the joint will pro- 
duce a peculiar result, when the animal is in motion, even 
though the wound be so sma 11 as to escape attention, the 
motion causes air to be drawn through the opening into 
the subcutaneous tissue, and if the movements be long 
continued, the inflation will extend over the whole body 
until he hardly bears any resemblance to a horse; tTie 
knowledge of this fact has led the unscrupulous jockey 
to puncture his neighbor's horse to produce the symp- 
toms. Shouhl such symptoms exist, do not be alarmed, 
but examine the region of the elbow joint carefully, and 
you will find the wound, and if you wi 1 ! dose the opening 
and keep the animal quiet a short time the air will be 
absorbed, and he wi 11 again assume his normal appear- 
ance ; should the nostrils be so much inflated as to in- 
terfere with his breathing, simply puncture the skin in a 
few places and press out the air. 

SCRATCHES, CRACKED HEELS. 
Causes — 

Overfeeding, unwholesome food, illy ventilated 
stables, standing in filth, mud and cold draught, snow, 
the use of strong soap when washing, failure to dry the 
limbs after washing, disease of the heart, liver or kidneys, 

♦etc. 
Symptoms — 

Swelling, heat and tenderness of the hollow of the. 



ioS 

heel, lameness, cracks, supuration, an exudation of a yel- 
low, viscid matter, the same conditions may exist behind 
the knee and in front of the hock, the former known as 
maunders, and the latter as sa^anders. 
Treatment — 

Administer a purge of one ounce of a^es. Give 
nitrate of potash, ha}i an ounce in drinking water three 
times a day ; wash the affected parts we 11 with hot water 
and castle soap, rub until perfectly dry, and rub well 
with a mixture of one part carboMc acid and five parts 
glycerine; repeat the washing and loca 1 appHcation once 
a day; furnish good sanitary surroundings. 

GREASE HEEL. 

Is due to a parasitic fungus, a^hough the j ire- 
disposing causes are the same as for scratches, and whi^e 
the fungus is essential to the disease, it remains dormant 
unless the predisposing factors exist. 

Symptoms — 

Legs are swollen to the knees and hocks, there 
is an oozing from the pores, both above and below the 
fetlock, of a greasy, offensive matter. If bad there is 
lameness ; if neglected, proud flesh appears through the 
places of exit made by the pus. 

Treatment — 

Remove the cause, give aloetic purge; nitrate 
of potash in drinking water; give same treatment as 
for scratches. 

FISTULA OF THE WITHERS. 

Is caused by bruises or punctured wounds. 

Symptoms — 

At first a hard tumefaction, hot and usually ten- 



lop 

der, later pus forms, running sores and pipes or fistulous 
sinuses from which there is a constant dis- 

charge. 
Treatment — 

If in the first stage, or before the formation of 
pus, open the skin at the point of greatest prominence 
and insert twenty or thirty grains each of arsenious acid 
and morphine wrapped in tissue paper or in a capsule, 
plug up the opening and let alone for two weeks or more, 
when there will he a deep s'ough ; dress twice daily with 
a solution of one ounce each of chloride of zinc and car- 
ho'ic acid in three quarts of water; the result is generally 
complete recovery. If pus and pipes have formed, open at 
the top and evacuate as completely a s possible by sy- 
ringing out with dioxogen, then putting in a quantity of 
pure chloride of zinc in the opening, also put in morphine 
to allay or counteract the painful effect of the caustic ; 
stop the opening at the top, grease the shoulder wcM on 
each side to prevent excoriation of the skin from any 
overflow of the caustic, in two days open and sy*. ingc 
out well with warm carbolized water, grease well inside 
and out with carbonized vaseHne; m a few days the. 
whole interior pipes, and all mav be removed with the 
forceps, dress twice daily with th solution recommended 
for the first stage; occasionally alternate with iodoform. 
Some prefer to remove them with the knife, but this re- 
quires the services of the veterinary surgeon. 

POLL EVIL. 

Pol 1 evil i s an affection of the po 11 , or top of the 
head, identical with fistula of the withers, except in point 
of location. 



no 



Causes, symptoms and treatment are the same 
as for fistula of the withers . 

SITFASTS. 

Are hard, callous excrescences, and are due to 
continued pressure, either from the harness or saddle. 

Treatment — . 

Removal with the knife is the only rational xmca- 
od, then treat as an ordinary wound; prevent the ani- 
mal from biting or irritating the wound. 

WARTS. 

Are morbid exercrescences and should be re- 
moved with the knife, or by strangulation ; the latter 
may be accomplished by wrapping a small ru bber band 
several times about the base of the wart, and allowing 
it to remain until t h wart drops off; it cuts off the circu- 
lation by its elastic force, thus causing it to be deprived 
of its vitality ; treat as an ordinary wound after it *s re- 
moved whether it be by one method or the other. It may 
also be accomplished, though not so quickly, by the in- 
troduction into the body of the wart a small quantity of 
arsenious acid, which kills any tissue with which it 
comes in contact ; in the course of ten days or two weeks 

it will drop off. 

MELANOTIC TUMORS. 

Melanosis usually appears as a rounded tumor, 
small at first but gradually increasing in size in every di- 
rection. They are generally, but not always, cancerous 
m their nature, and are sometimes designated as black 
cancer. They are almost entirely confined to white or 
gray horses; notwithstanding this fact, the tumor is a*- 



Ill 



most universally black on the surface, as well as in its 
internal structure They usually appear on the hairless 
portions of the body, around the root of the tail, on the 
anus, boll, inside and out, on the penis, and in the mare 
about the udder; in cases that are malignant or cancer- 
ous, they will usual l y be fQUnd Qn pogt mortem ^ am . 

nation to exist on the vital and other internal organs and 

membranes. 

Treatment — 

i The treatment of the malignant tvpe is of litfe 
avail, but upon the first appearance of the excrescence 
■t >s well to remove it with the knife, and treat as an or- 
dinary wound. 

SURFEIT. NETTLERASH. 

Is an eruption of the skin in the form of nodules 
appearing mostly in the well fed, fleshy youn? animal' 
more frequently in the spring of the year than at other 
seasons; sometimes attended by colic pains, diarrhoea, 
or constipation; the swellings appear very suddenly and 
usually disappear just as rapidly, or il may cnotintie fcr 
many days. It is very annoying to the animal, render- 
ing him at times almost frantic. 
Treatment — 

Deplete the system by cathartic and cooling 
agents. Give one ounce of Barbadoes aloes made into a 
ball ; also give one ounce of nil. ale of potash in bucket of 
water three times dai'y. If the animal be excessively fat, 
the abstraction of four to six quarts of blood from the 
neck vein will greatly assist in relieving the patient. Fol- 
low any depleting treatment with some of the bitter ton- 
ics. 



112 

PERITONITIS. INFLAMMATION OF THE PERI- 
TONEUM. 

Is an inflammation of the serous membrane 
lining the cavity of the abdomen, and covering the viscera 
of the cavity. 
Causes — 

Wounds from severe blows or kicks, puncture 
of the wa n s of the abdomen, any severe lesion of the 
intestines, rupture of the stomach, intussusception of the 
bowe 1 , strangi^ated hernia, or it may, and often does, re- 
sult from; the operation of castration . 
Symptoms — 

The first symptom of peritonitis is a chill, 
stiffness or soreness in movement, he paws and some- 
times strikes at the belly with the hind feet ; he lies 
down vry carefu^y, but as the recumbent position on 1 ;/ 
augments the pain, he soon rises and remains standing 
most of the time. He walks about in an uneasy manner, 
the bowe*s are usua^y constipated, pressure on the belly 
causes extreme pain, the abdomen draws, the legs, ears 
and nose cold; temperature ranges from 102 F to 104 F.i 
pulse hard and fast, breathing from 70 to 90 beats per 
minute. 
Treatment- 
Is essentially the same as for cntritis, very 
much depending on the thorough apphcafion of counter 
irritants to the surface of the abdomen ; avoid cathartics 
as a rock at sea. 

DROPSY OF THE ABDOMEN. ASCITES. 

Causes — 

i Indigestion, insufficient or unwbx^csome food, 



H3 

disease of the liver, the heart, or the portal blood vessels. 
It may also result, in rare instances, from chronic peri- 
tonitis or pericarditis. 
Symptoms — 

SweU*ng of the legs, sheath and beUy, due to 
infiltration of fluid into the tissues, the mucous mem- 
branes arc pale, appetite generally poor, the animal weak 
and emacatea 
Treatment — 

If possible, remove the cause; should indiges- 
tion be due to faulty teeth, remedy it by having them 
pul in proper con iiiion ; if the Hver is nor performing its 
functons, give one- our^ce of aloes, follow tins by the ad- 
ministration of half a drachm of calomel once a day for 
one week, at the end of which time the calomel should 
be discontinued and give night and morning two drachms 
iodide of potassium and one ounce nitrate of potash in 
each bucket of water consumed. Also give two table 
spoons full f the following mixture three times dd'y: 
Tincture of iron, tincture of gentian and tincture of nux- 
vomica, equal parts; continue as lorn;- as necessary. Give 
generous diet of nutritious, easily digested food. Should 
the treatment fail to give the desired results and the accu- 
mulation of fluid in the cavity be not absorbed, the op 
eiation of paracentesis abdominis, or tapping of the 
beUy m ay be resorted to, but the prognosis is generally 
unfavorable, regardless of all our efforts. 

CHRONIC CATARRH. NASAL GLEET. 

Is a chronic inflammation of the mucous mem- 
branes of the nasal organs. I 

Causes — 

The causes of chronic nasal catarrh are. neglect- 



ii4 

ed colds, fracture of the bones of the face, especially those 
that involve the membranes of the sinuses, rupture of 
b'ood vessels, and- the consequent escape of the blood 
into the sinuses, where it sets up an inflammation, de- 
caying teeth mad also involve a sinus and cause a 
discharge from the nostras . 

Symptoms — 

An offensive discharge from the nostril, usual 1 )'' 
from one nostri 1 o^y; the bones of the face seem fu 11 , 
and in severe cases the facial bones on each side may be 
bulged from the accumulation of pus within the nasal 
cavity ; when tapped with the ends of the ringers they 
give out a dul 1 sound, and the anima 1 evinces severe pain. 

Treatment — 

Syringe out the nostril with dioxogen once a 
day, and once a day with a solution of one ounce of liste- 
rine and twenty drops carbolic acid in one pint of water. 
Give night and morning in feed, two drachms each of 
sulphate of copper and sulphate of iron, continue for 
two weeks ; then substitute the same amount of pow- 
dered gentian root and powdered blood root (Sanguina- 
ria Canadensis) for two weeks; when the iron and cop- 
per salts should again be given instead ; continue these 
medicines aHernatety in this way until recovery is ef- 
fected. In some cases where the pus has accumulated in 
the cavity in such qauntity as to prevent the entire evac- 
utiaon, it is necessary to trephine the facial bones in or- 
der to reach the affected part and property treat it ; if 
the trouble results from decaying teeth, it will be nec- 
essary to extract thm ; if from fracture of the bones of 
the face they will also require special surgical attention. 



"5 

in each of these operations the services of a veterinary 
surgeon will be required. 

PARALYSIS. 

Is a condition of complete or partial muscular 
relaxation, due to diminution of contractile power of the 
musdes. 
Causes — 

Are numerous, among the most prolific being 
acute affection of the brain and spinal cord, wounds, tu- 
mors, etc. 
Treatment — 

The treatment of paralysis will depend largely 
on the cause; if the cause is known, remove it if possi- 
ble; the most reliable antiparalytics arc strychnine and 
electricity judiciously administered. 

TETANUS. USUALLY CALLED LOCKJAW. 

Causes — 

Tetanus usually results from a wound of some 
kind, nail wounds in the feet being- the most common 
cause. It is stated on .good authority that it may be 
cither idiopathic or traumatic, and by others that there is 
no such thing- as tetanus without traumatism or wound. 
However that may be, the form is immaterial to our pur- 
pose. 
Symptoms— 

The first symptom noticeable, general 1 }, is stiff- 
ness of the musdes of the jaw, some difficu'ty in chewing 
and swallowing, the head more or less extended, the haw 
of the eye (the nictitans) drawn back over the eye; if the 
head be elevated or moved quickly, the slightest noise 



n6 

or excitement produces increased alarm. The bowels 
soon become constipated ; the symptoms rapidly increase 
in severity, until all the muscles are rigid, the tail ele- 
vated and rigid, the ears erect and stiff, temperature, and 
pulse not much changed. A tremor of the muscles is 
noticed, cold sweats now break out on the body, owing 
to spasm of the respiratory muscles, the breathing be- 
comes painful ; the jaws set, the eyes retract, the nostrils 
dilated and tense; he has a haggard and frightened look; 
the prdse is now quick and hard on account of spasms af- 
fecting the heart. In s ub-acute cases, the symptoms are 
not so severe. 

Treatment — 

Place the animal in a darkened stall, where he 
will be free from annoyance by other stock or curious 
spectators. Give Barbadoes aloes, one ounce; solid ex- 
tract of belladonna or solid extract cannabis indica, two 
drachms, made into a ball; if it be impossible to admin- 
ister the ball, give two grains of esersine hypodermically. 
Locate the wound if possible and keep thoroughly anti- 
septisized. If the anti-tetanic serum can be obtained with- 
in a reasonabie time, I prefer that mode of treatment, 
but it makes no difference what mode of treatment is 
pursued, remember that much depends on quiet and ab- 
sence of exciting noise, or intrusion by the morbid'y cu- 
rious. 

RHEUMATISM. ACUTE. 

Rheumatism is due to uric acid in excessive 
quantities in the blood, or it may result from other dis- 
eases, epizootic, pleurisy, etc. 

Symptoms — 

Sudden lameness, either with or without swell- 



it; 

ing of the joints. The lameness may be preceded b;, some 
fever. It is likely to leave one joint or limb suddenly, and 
appear in another; the bowels generally costive, an ab- 
normal amount of fibrin in the blood. When not pre- 
ceded by some epizootic disease the fever is acute and ex- 
cessive, ranging 104 F to 106 F. Should it run higher 
than 105 F, the case is serious. 
Treatment — 

Free administration of nitrate of potash in the 
drinking water, give an aloetic purge; blister the affected 
joints well ; give tablespoon full doses of salicylate oi so- 
da every four hours till the system becomes thoroughly 
charged. Keep in comfortable quarters, feed well on 
light, easily digested, nutritious food. In the chronic 
form the symptoms are much the same as in the acute, 
except they are modified in severity, and the elevation 
of temperature may be entirely absent. 

INFLUENZA. TYPHOID FEVER. PINK EYE. CA- 
TARRHAL FEVER, ETC. 

Causes — 

The causes of influenza are very obscure, but 
the concensus of opinion is that it is atmospheric, though 
just what the specific cause, is not known. It usually ap- 
pears in a community spontaneously, although there arc- 
undoubted circumstances indicating its contagion and in- 
fectious tendency. The predisposing causes are tin 
crowding of animals into unsanitary quarters, neglect, 
unwholesome diet, debility, etc., all of which render the 
animal more susceptible to this, as well as other diseases. 
The fact that the fever may have various complications, 



n8 

renders it more serious, and makes the successful treat- 
ment a very difficult and doubtful matter. The fever may 
be without complication, in which case it seldom proves 
fatal, or any, or even all, of the organs may be involved. 
Symptoms — 

The animal first appears dull and sluggish, ex- 
treme weakness, perspires freely, failure of appetite, the 
eyes are very red and eyelids swollen, sometimes so much 
as to entirely close the eyes; pulse 70 to 80 beats 
in a minute, respiration hurried, temperature may be 105 
F, or even 107 F. This condition may be reached in the 
course of ten or twelve hours, the next few hours may 
be marked by symptoms of colic ; there is constipation, 
the excrement is dry and hard and covered with a white 
mucous or slime, indicating an inflamed condition of the 
bowels; the legs are hot and swollen, very sore to the 
touch, mouth hot and generally dry, the eyes running 
water, the eyelids swollen until the eye is often entirely 
closed ; there is excessive thirst, swelling of the carotid 
and submaxillary glands, usually there is a cough, a wa- 
tery discharge from the nostrils, should there be no com- 
plication, he lies down a great deal of the time, but if the 
lungs become involved he persists in standing. 

Complications: — As stated before, all the organs 
of the system may become involved, but the ones more 
commonly implicated are the brain, lungs, intestines and 
sensitive lamina of the feet. Should there be a compli- 
cation of the brain, the animal suddenly becomes rest- 
less, commences to walk, generally in a circle, owing to 
the fact that there is a greater degree of congestion 01 
one side of the brain than of the other. Should he be in 



ii 9 

an inclosure he walks until his head comes in contact 
with some object of sufficient resistance to stop him, 
when he continues his efforts to move forward until the 
head is released from its contact with the opposing ob- 
ject, when the walk is resumed, following the wall, rub- 
bing the nose and head against it, until he again conies 
in contact with some other object that compels him to 
stop again, he may become violent, rear, plunge, stamp 
with his feet, etc. 

Complications of the lungs: — May be due to cold 
draughts of air and other circumsctances that would pro- 
duce congestion of the organ where influenza did not 
exist yet, in from three to five days after the com- 
mencement of the fever, the complications may be estab- 
lishd without any apparent cause, the breathing heavy 
and labored, heaving of the flanks, the nostrils dilated, 
often a swaying or staggering gait, no appetite, the tem- 
perature, pulse and respiration each accelerated. 

Complication of the intestines: — The animal 
paws unasily with the front feet, he looks from side to 
side, the belly very sensitive to pressure, he may lie 
down carfully; there is constipation, excrement being 
mixed with mucous, and even false membranes; this is 
soon followed by diarrhoea; he rapidly loses vitality, the 
pulse becomes more soft and weaker, the respiration fas 
ter, the temperature higher. 

Complications of the feet : — The symptoms of 
this complication are those of a severe case of laminitis. 
Treatment — 

The main object in the treatment of an un- 
complicated case of influenza is to sustain the vital en- 



120 

ergies and control the temperature, always bearing in 
mind that in the horse, as well as in the human sub- 
ject, typhoid fever runs a definite course, and can hardly 
be cut short by any treatment ; therefore, the relief of 
distressing symptoms, the allaying of irritability and sup- 
porting the patient is all we may hope to accomplish. 
Our first care must be, good sanitary surroundings, 
comfortable clothing to the body and limbs, nourish- 
ing and easily digested food (scalded oats and bran, 
good, bright hay, etc.), fresh water continuously within 
his reach in which has been dissolved one-half ounce ni- 
trate of potash in every bucket of water consumed. Con- 
trol the fever by ten drops, each, of tincture of aconite 
root and tincture of gelsemium every hour. The inhala- 
tion of medicated steam for an hour, two or three times 
daily ; blister the throat with cantharides ointment . 
Should there be great prostration, give one and one-half 
to two ounces spirit nitrous ether, or carbonate of am- 
monia three times daily. One to two drachms iodide of 
potash night and morning. Should brain complications 
exist, give aconite in large doses; should the heart be 
weak, give digitalis in teaspoonful doses every three or 
four hours. If the lungs are involved, treat as for pneu- 
monia; also give night and morning two drachms iodide 
of potash, and in intestinal complication, give one to 
two ounces every four hours, of the following mixture: 
Camphorated tincture of opium, eight ounces; sub-ni- 
trate of bismuth, two ounces; shake well before using. 
Should laminitis be present, bleed from the coronary 
plexus, blister around the coronet, or poultice the feet. 



121 

GLANDERS. ACUTE. 

This is a mfalignant, contagious and fatal dis- 
ease of the horse, mule, dog, sheep, goat, hare, mouse, 
guinea pig, also communicable to, and fatal to man, tmt 
not to horned cattle or fowls. 
Causes — 

The causes are obscure, but the animal is more 
susceptible to its influence when crowded together in 
gnat numbers, especially if the sanitary surroundings 
are not good. It often arises as a sequel to debilitating 
diseases, old age, etc., as well as by the introduction of 
the virus of the affected animal into the system by ac- 
tual contact with the tissues. There is a difference of 
opinion regarding its contagion in any other way. The 
period of incubation is variable, from one week to two 
months, and sometimes even more. 
Symptoms — 

Extreme elevation of temperature, rigors, tem- 
perature often 106 F, and in extreme cases as high as 
109 F, pulse feeble and rapid, breathing quickened, fail- 
ure of appetite, urine pale and excessive in quantity, en- 
larged submaxillary glands, eyes weak and red, the 
schneiderian membrane of the nostril ulccratec, at first 
a watery discharge from the nose which soon becomes 
yellowish and has a sticky tendency. The odor is now 
-tfery offensive; sometimes bleeding of the nose. In pri- 
mary glanders or farcy there is swelling of the hind h-gs 
and along the under portion of the abdomen. These lat- 
ter symptoms are also sometimes produced artificially 
by the unscrupulous, viz: The ulceration of the mem- 
brane of the nose by the application of caustics, especial- 



122 

ly of the nitrate of silver, and the nasal discharge by the 
introduction into the nostrils of small sponges charged 
with some foul smelling substance. The swelling and 
ulceration of the limbs and abdomen by touching with 
fine points which have been dipped in croton oil. These 
artificial symptoms may be easily known from the gen- 
uine by the absence of all the other characteristic signs 
of the malady, and no one need be deceived. The symp- 
toms of chronic glanders are a modified form of those in 
the acute form, the appetite is not usually impaired until 
near the culmination. Acute glanders is a rapidly fatal 
disease ; in the chronic form it is no less fatal in its ten- 
dency, but the animal in rare instances may live and work 
comfortably for many months, and even years, and may 
then die from other causes ; but during all this time the 
disease is as actively contagious as it is in the acute 
form, and the animal should be destroyed at once, as 
treatment is utterly futile. Should the owner wish to be 
positive about the correctness of diagnosis, he may inocu- 
late the guinea pig (the male preferred) with some of 
the vrus, and if it be glanders about the twelfth day there 
will be redness and tumefaction of the testicles, rapidly 
followed by glanderous ulcers on different portions of 
the body, and the pig will die from the fifteenth to the 
thirtieth day; or have a veterinary surgeon to make the 
test with a preparation known as mallein. This will de- 
termine the matter much sooner. 

Treatment — 

Primary glanders or farcy, may be treated with 
general success. Give internally two grains sulphate of 
strychnine and five grains asscnious acid twice a day. 



i2 3 

The treatment should be essentially tonic. Give sulphate 
of copper and sulphate of iron, each, two drachms, twice 
a day, or some of the fluid tonics given in miscellaneous 
formulas, especially those containing iron, gentian, mix- 
vomica, quinine, etc. Apply to the ulcers every four or 
five days the blister used on ringbone, spavin, etc. Give 
tablespoonful doses sulphate of soda, three times daily- 
feed liberally. In any case of glanders or farcy, isolate 
the animal. 

RABIES. HYDROPHOBIA. 

A contagious disease.. Is invariably fatal in its 
effect . 

Causes — 

The introduction into the system of the virus 
contained in the saliva of an affected animal, usually 
through the medium of the teeth; the period of tone 
elapsing from the moment of inoculation to the develop- 
ment of any symptoms, may vary greatly in different 
casts, the variation being from eight days to several 
months; usually from three to four weeks. 
Symptoms — 

The horse becomes wild and frenzied with 
pain and fever; he bites anything within his reach, paw- 
ing, stamping, usually biting and tearing its own flesh 
wheaever he can reach it with the teeth ; craves water but 
is unable to swallow. 
Treatment — 

Is of no avail. Should any symptoms of this ter- 
rible malady manifest themselves, isolate and securely 
confine the animal and as soon as there is a reasonable 



124 

certainty that he is affected by rabies, destroy him at 
once. 

STRANGLES— DISTEMPER. 

Is an infectious disease, more prevalent among young* 
horses and colts than oHer animals. 
Causes — 

It may arise spontaneously among young 
stock, or it may be from contact with an affected ani- 
mal, or from eating and drinking from the troughs from 
which an affected animal has been fed or watered. 
Symptoms — 

Are elevation of temperature, acceleration of 
pulse and respiration, mouth hot, extremities cold, swell- 
ing of the throat, usually a cough, which causes much 
distress on account of the swollen and inflamed condition 
of the larynx; he usually evinces a desire for food, but is 
unable to swallow it ; at first, a mucous discharge from 
the nose, which sooon becomes purulent, the eyes in- 
flamed and running water. 
Treatment — 

Control the fever by teaspoonful doses, every 
three hours, of the following mixture : Fluid extract of 
belladonna, tincture aconite, and tincture gelsemium, of 
each, one ounce; tincture of digitalis, two ounces. Keep 
up the strength by some of the bitter tonics in combina- 
tion with iron. Supply comfortable quarters, protect 
from storms and sudden changes of temperature ; apply 
hot flax seed poultices to the throat and as soon as the 
swelling exhibits any signs of containing pus, open it 
and allow the pus to escape, syringe out Idie abscess 
twice daily with dioxogen. 



; 



125 

OSTEO— POROSIS. 

Commonly known as big head, is a disease of the osse- 
ous or bony structure ; there is much speculation as to its 
origin, but the general opinion of authority favors the 
theory that it is due to a deficiency, either in the food or 
water, of some of the elements necessary for the normal 
support of the bone, also an excess of other elements. 
Symptoms — 

Usually the bones of the head, especially of 
the lower jaw, are enlarged and thickened; there is stiff- 
ness of gait; ilanks tucked up, mucous membranes pale, 
urine scant, bowels usually constipated, weak in the 
loins, sometimes swelling of the joints, symptoms of 
rheumatism, soreness of the bones upon pressure. 
Treatment — 

While I do not consider the disease suscepti- 
ble of a radical cure, it may often be alleviated by re- 
lieving the rheumatic symptoms, for which the adminis- 
tration of stramonium seed, or the extract, seems to exert 
a good effect. Our next'object should be to supply to the 
bones the elements in which we know them to be defi- 
cient, and as all experiments seem to indicate a deficiency 
of the lime salts, the indications are for the administra- 
tion of calcium phosphate ; commence treatment by the 
administration of one large tablespooonful of ground 
stramonium seed in wet wheat bran on alternate days, 
for ten days, on the intervening days give two large 
tablespooonfuls of sulphur in bran; this will make five 
doses, each of stramonium seed and sulphur; then change 
the medicine and give one-half ounce, each, of hyposul- 



126 

phite of soda and calcium phosphate in bran ; continue 
this for ten days, then return to the first treatment ; and 
so continue each for ten days, until the animal shows 
marked improvement. Always remember to keep the 
animal protected from rain and storms; give no grain, but 
about six or eight quarts of wheat bran daily, if grass is 
not in season give good bright hay or fodder; if in sum- 
mer, give nothing in the way of food but bran and grass ; 
keep a supply of salt always in reach of the animal ; 
after the patient is taken off the treatment, he should be 
given lime water to drink for an indefinite period. The 
diseasfe is seldom, if ever, known in limestone districts. 
THE HORSE'S AGE. 
We may, with considerable certainty, approximate the 
age of the horse, from his early colt hood. ., up to twenty- 
nine years ; but we must take into consideration that pas- 
turage, and manner of feeding, makes a vast difference in 
Ihe marks of the teeth, by which we must be guided in 
determining the age. The horse that runs on short, sandy 
pasturage, wears the teeth much faster than if kept on 
luxuriant growth, on clay lands, br if not allowed to run 
at pacture at all. We must also take into consideration 
the irregularities sometimes met with, such as parrot 
mouth, when the front teeth of one jaw, overlap those of 
the other jaw, and by this unusual condition, prevent the 
wearing surface, or crown of the teeth, coming in contact. 
There is, also, what is known as shell teeth, viz. : teeth, 
in which the cup is simply a groove, manning down the 
inside, or back portion of the incisor teeth ; thus making 
it a mattter of impossibility to eradicate it by wear. 
Then, we have the crib biter; his teeth may also deceive 



127 

us in his age. But to the critical observer, the rounded 
appearance of the outer edge of the incisor teeth, espe- 
cially of the upper jaw, will leave no doubt that he is a 
victim of this pernicious habit. In from two, t^ three 
weeeks after birth, the two middle incisors, or mpppers) 
appear ; in from four to six weeks the teeC on each side 
of the nippers (called middle teeth) make their appear- 
ance; in from six to eight months ,the corner teeth; the 
colt now has a full set of milk teeth, all of which, have 
cups, or depressions, in te cutting - surface, from the top 
downward, leaving a sharp edge all round the cavity, the 
outer edge always being a little higher than the innner, 
thus bringing them in contact sooner. At the age of one 
year, the cups have disappeared from the lower nippers, 
the outer edges of the middle teeth much worn and the 
inner cdi^c slightly worn; the outer edge of the corner 
teeth considerably worn. At two years, the cups have 
disappeared from the middle teeth, and the innner edges 
of the corner teeth begin to show wear. At two and one- 
half years, the cups have disappeared from the corner 
teeth and he has shed the center milk teeth (nippers), 
and the horse nippers are beginning to push through the 
gums. At three years old, the permanent, or horse nip- 
pers, are full. At three and one-half, the middle colt 
teeth are shed, the permanent teeth begin to show in 
their stead ; the outer edges of the nippers begin to show 
wear. At four years, the middle, permanent teeth are 
full and the inner v(\'j;c of nippers, show wear. At four 
and one-half years, cornr colt teeth are shed, and perma- 
nent teeth begin to show ; the outer edges of middle teeth 
show wear. At five years, the corner teeth are full, the 



128 

nippers are worn down, until the cups have almost dis- 
appeared, and the outer edges of the middle teeth are 
down even with the inner edges. At six yars, the nip- 
pers are worn down even, with the middle teeth ; which, 
latter, still retain the cups, and the outer edges of the 
corner teeth are worn down even with the inner edges. 
At seven, the middle teeth have lost their cups, and both 
edges of the corner teeth are worn smooth, but still re- 
tain a small cup. At eight years, the incisors are all 
smooth, and only a trace of the cavity remains in the 
corner teeth. At nine years, the cups of the upper nip- 
pers have disappeared, but are still visible in the middle 
teeth, and are comparatively well defined in the corner 
teeth. At ten years, the cups have disappeared from the 
upper middle teeth. At eleven years, the cups have dis- 
appeared from the upper corner teeth. At twelve years, 
the lower nippers are nearly round, or as thick as they 
are broad. At thirteen, the lower middle teeth are nearly 
round. At fourteen, the lower corner teeth are nearly 
round. At fifteen, the upper nipppers are round. Al 
sixteen, the upper middle teeth are round. At seven- 
teen, the upper corner teeth are round. At eighteen, the 
lower nippers are triangular. At nineteen, the lower 
middle teeth are triangular. At twenty, the lower cor- 
ner teeth are triangular. At twenty-one, the upper nip- 
pers are triangular. At twenty-two, the upper middle 
teeth are triangular. At twenty-three, the upper corner 
teeth are triangular. At twenty-four, the lower nippers 
are twice as thick, as they are broad. At twenty-five, the 
lower middle teeth are twice as thick, as they are broad. 
At twenty-six, the lower corner teeth are twice as thick, 



129 

as they arc broad. At twenty-seven, the upper nippers 
are twice as thick, as they are broad. At twenty-eight, 
the upper middle teeth are twice as thick, as they are 
bruad. At twenty-nine, the upper corner teeth are twice 
as thick, as they are broad. There is another "nark by 
which we may closely approximate the age from the 
tenth to the twenty-first year, viz. : at ten years a groove 
may be seen, starting from the gum in the middle of the 
upper corner teeth, and at fifteen, it has reached the 
middle of the tooth from the top downward, and at twen- 
ty one, it has reached the end of the tooth; now to ascer- 
tain the age between the tenth and twenty-first years, we 
must approximate it, by the ratio of distance, from the 
gum to the bottom of groove, as compared with full 
length of the tooth. 

MISCELLANEOUS FORMULAS. 

FEVER MIXTURE. 
No. i— 

Tincture aconite root and tincture gelsemium, of 
each, i oz. ; tincture digitalis, 2 ozs. Mix and give 30 
drops every two hours. 
No. 2 — 

Tincture aconite root and tincture gelsemium, of 
each, r oz. ; nitrous ether, 8 ozs. Mix, shake and give 
two teaspoonfuls in tabic tablespoonful of water every 
hour. 

No 3— 

Sulphate of quinine, half oz. ; tr. chloride iron, 3 
drams ; nitrous ether and alcohol, of each, 3 ozs. ; monox- 



130 

ide of hydrogen, sufficient to make one point. Mix and 
give 2 tablespoonfuls every 2 hours. 
No 4. — 

Acetanilid, 1 oz. ; powdered digitalis, 2 drams. Mix 
thoroughly and divide into 8 powders ; give one every 
hour. 

COLIC MIXTURE. 

No. 1— 

Camphorated tincture of opium, 2 ozs. ; nitrous ether, 
1 1-2 ozs.; tincture of capsicum, 2 drams; tincture aco- 
nite root, 30 drops. Mix and give at once ; if necessary, 
repeat in one hour, leaving out the aconite. 
No. 2 — 

Creolin, 1 dram, in 2 ozs. glycerine, every hour. 
No 3— 

Chloral hydrate, I oz., every hour. 
No 4. — 

Carbonate of ammonia, 4 drams, every hour. 

No. 5— 

Solid extract cannabis indica, 1 dram, every hour. 

No. 6 

Chloroform, 1 oz. ; linseed, oil, 1 pint. Mix, shake 
and give at once. 
No. 7 — 

Sulphuric ether and tincture opium, of each, 8 ozs. ; 
fluid extract of belladonna, 1 oz. ; tincture aconite root. 
1 dram. Mix and give* 2 ozs. every half hour until re- 
lieved. 
No. 8— 

Eserine and pilocarpine, of each, I grain, hypoderm- 
ically, repeat the pilocarpine in 2 hours, if necessary. 



i3i 

LINIMENTS— ANODYNE. 
No. i— 

Tincture of opium, tincture of arnica, spirits of cam- 
phor and nitrous ether, of each, 2 ozs. ; tincture of iodine 
and tincture of aconite root, of each, I 1-2 ozs.; extract 
of Witch Hazel, 16 ozs. Mix, shake and use 3 or 4 times 
daily. 

No. 2 — 

Soap liniment and tincture aconite root, of each, 2 
ozs. ; veratria, 3 drams. Mix, shake and apply every 2 
or 3 hours. 
No 3— 

Chloral hydrate and gum camphor, of each, 1 oz. ; 
tincture of iodine, 8 ozs. Mix and apply as often as nec- 
essary. 
No 4.— 

Tincture of arnica, tincture of opium, sulphuric ether 
and spirits camphor, of each, 3 ozs.; tincture aconte root, 
2 ozs. Mix and apply every 3 or 4 hours. 
No. 5— 

Equal parts sulphuric ether, spirits of ammonia and 
tincture opium. Mix and apply as often as necessary. 
No. 6— 

Spirits camphor, 4 ozs. ; oil of cloves, oil of sassafras. 
oil of turpentine and chloroform, of each, 3 ozs.; tinc- 
ture opium, 5 ozs.; alcohol, 11 ozs. Mix, shake and 
use internally, or externally; good for colic. 
No. 7 — 

Gum camphor, chloral hydrate, chloroform, sulphu- 
ric ether, tincture of opium, oil of origanum, oil of sassa- 
fras, oil caryophylis and oil peppermint, of each, 3 ozs. ; 



132 

alcohol sufficient to make one gallon. Shake and use 
either externally or internally; good for colic in 2-oz. 
doses, every hour ; if used for this purpose, add io drops 
tincture aconite root to each dose. 

BLISTERING LINIMENTS. 
No. i — 

Bichloride of mercury and gum camphor, of each, I 
oz. ; alcohol, 4 ozs. ; dissolve the mercury and camphor in 
the alcohol and add olive oil to make one pint. Mix, 
shake and apply once in 4 to 7 days. 
No. 2 — 

Oil sassafras, oil origanum, stronger ammonia and 
tincture cantharides, of each, 2 ozs. ; bichloride of mer- 
cury, 3 drams ; gum champhor, 1 oz. ; oil turpentine, 8 
ozs. Mix, shake and apply. 
No 3— 

Stronger ammonia, tincture cantharides, oil sassa- 
fras and oil of spike, of each, 2 ozs. ; oil turpentine and 
olive oil, of each, 4 ozs. Mix and appply daily. 
No 4. — 

Tincture cantharides and stronger ammonia, of 
each, 1 oz. ; oil turpentine, 1 1-2 ozs.; oil sassafras, oil 
origanum and gum camphor, of each, 1-2 oz. ; olive oil 
to make one pint. Mix, shake and apply once daily. 

CAMPHORATED SOAP LINIMENT. 

Dissolve 5 ozs. white castile soap, in 8 ozs. water, then 

dissolve 2 1-2 ozs. camphor gum and 4 1-2 drams oil 

rosemary, in 41 ozs. alcohol. Mix the solutions and add 

water enough to make 56 ozs. or 3 1-2 pints; filter and it 

is ready for use. 



133 

BLISTERING OINTMENTS. 

Vaseline, 2 ozs. ; powdered cantharides, 4 drams ; bin- 
iodide of mercury, 3 drams. Mix and apply every fourth 
to seventh day. 

FLY BLISTER. 

Vaseline, 2 ozs. ; powdered cantharides, 4 drams. Mix 
nnd apply every two or three days. 

ABSORBENT OINTMENT. 

Vaseline, 3 ozs.; iodide of potash, 4 drams. Mix and 
rub in well twice daily. 

EYE LOTIONS. 
No. 1— 

Sulphate of morphine, sulphate hydrastine, sulphate 
zinc, of each, 2 grains; water, 1 oz. Mix; a few drops 
in eye three or four times daily. 
No. 2 — 

3 grains, each, of morphine and chloride of zinc, to 
1 oz. water. Drop in eye 3 times daily. 
No 3— 

Nitrate of silver, 5 grains; morphine, 2 grains; 
water, 1 oz. Mix, drop in eye 3 times daily. 
No 4. — 

Atropia sulphate, morphine sulphate, and berberine, 
of each, 2 grains; water, 1 oz. Mix, drop in eye 3 or 4 
times daily. 

HEALING LOTIONS. 
No. 1— 

Chloride of zinc, I oz. ; water 3 quarts. Mix, shake 
and apply 3 times daily. 
No. 2 — 



134 

Carbolic acid, I oz. ; borolyptol, 2 ozs. ; water, one 
gallon. Apply 3 times daily. 
No 3— 

Bichloride of mercury, 8 grains; water, 1 pint;. Mix, 
a PPty 3 or 4 times daily. 
No 4.— 

Acelate of of lead and sulphate of zinc, of each, \ 
oz. ; water, 1 quart. Shake and apply 3 or 4 times daily. 
No. 5— 

Compound tincture benzoin. Apply 3 times daily. 

HEALING POWDERS. 
No. 1— 

Acetanilid and oxide of zinc, of each, 1 oz. ; carbolic 
acid, 15 drops. Mix in a mortar until the acid s thor- 
oughly incorporated with the powder. Apply 2 to 4 
times daily. 
No. 2 — 

Iodoform, acetanilid and oxide of zinc, of each, 1 
oz. ; carbolic acid, 10 drops. Appply 3 or 4 times daily. 

CONDITION POWDERS. 
No. 1— 

Sulphur, nitrate of potash, bicarbonate of soda and 
sulphate of iron, of each 4 ozs. ; powdered gentian root 
and foenugreek seed, of each, 3 ozs. ; caryophylis pow- 
dered, 2 oz. Mix ad give large tablespoonful 3 times 
a day. 
No. 2 — I 

Sulphate of iron and bicarbonate of soda, of each, 
4 ozs. ; foenugreek seed, ginger, nitrate of potash and 
nuxvomica, of each, 2 ozs. Mix and give tablespooonful 



135 

3 times a day. Should the animal be very feeble, the ad- 
dition of quinine in proportion of I dram to each dose 
is good. 

COUGH MIXTURE. 
No. i— 

Calomel, digitalis, opium and camphor, of each, I 
oz. ; powdered belladonnna leaves, 2 drams. Mix and 
divide into 8 powders; give one every day. Should it 
be necessary to continue longer than 8 days, leave off 
the calomel. 
No. 2 — 

Tincture aconite root and tincture gelsemium, of each, 

1 oz. ; tincture digitalis and tincture belladonna, of each, 

2 ozs. ; camphorated tincture of opium, 4 ozs. Mix, give 
tablespoonful 3 times daily. 

No 3— 

Oil tar, tablespoonful 3 times daily. 

DIARRHOEA MIXTURE. 
No. 1— 

Camphorated tincture opium, 8 ozs. ; subgallate of 
bismuth, 1 oz. Mix, shake and give 3 tablespoonfuls 
every hour until checked. 
No. 2 — 1 

Substitute subnitrate of bismuth for the subgallate 
and give the same way. 

FOR SCRATCHES AND GREASE HEEL. 
No. 1— 

Glycerine, 8 ozs. ; carbolic acid, 1 oz. Mix, shake and 
apply once a day. 
No. 2 — 

Pure white lead, mixed with oil. Apply once daily. 



136 

PURGATIVE BALL. 

Barbadoes aloes, 6 to 8 drams ; ginger powdered, 3 
drams. Make into a ball, give at once. 

FOR MENENGITIS AND OTHER BRAIN AFFEC- 
TIONS. 

2 grains each of pilocarpine and e*serirte, hypoderrri- 
ically ; give by mouth, 1 oz. aloes and 30 grains calomel, 
made in to a ball. 

COMBINATION SYSTEM OF HCRSE TRAINING. 

A system by which we readily break, tame or train the 
wildest or most vicious horse or mule and subject them 
to the will of man through the medium of the reasoning 
factulties. A system by which we may cure the most 
vicious horses of the habits of balking or kicking; also 
the habit of shying, running away, pulling at the halter, 
jumping fences, or pitching under the saddle; it will en- 
able any one to ride any horse or mule without saddle 
or bridle with perfect safety ; also to drive without bridle 
or lines. But we will first consider the management of 
colts, as we think it advisable to learn the colt that there 
is some restraint upon him; take him and learn him 
the performance of his duties as he grows up, learn him 
strict obedience to your commands and by the time he 
is old enough to ride or work, he has become familiar 
with you and you have gradually familiarized him with 
the halter, bridle, saddle, and harness and he is ready 
to be put to work without trouble. When he is five or 
six months old, he should be learned to lead and to stand 
tied with a halter and to submit to being: handled and 



137 

to be quiet and gentle, and if we properly manage him 
the task is very easy. 

How to Manage the Colt. 

Turn him into an enclosure fifteen or twenty feet wide 
and twenty-five or thirty long, have him loose; it is now 
necessary to have his strict attention in order to learn 
him what we expect him to do, and if we fail to do this 
we will tad to learn him the lesson we wish, just as we 
fail to learn the child, when we are unable to keep his 
mind upon the matter we wish to impress upon him- 
and in order to get his attention the operator now goes 
into the enclosure with the animal and if it has never 
been handled it will at once try to get as far away from 
the trainer as possible; he must be provided with "a long 
keen whip and when the colt turns the heels to him use 
the whip sharply about the hind legs, this will cause the 
colt to turn his head to his trainer to investigate the 
cause, then it is the duty of the trainer to approach him 
quietly with the hand extended, should the colt turn away 
from him, he should use the whip as before, then again 
attempt to approach him. Continue this until you can get 
your hand upon him, then rub and caress him until he 
looses his fear, then step quietly back from him (keeping 
the face to him) and tell him to come on and if he does 
not do so, reach back and tap him lightly on the hind 
parts with the whip, this will cause him to start toward 
you, then approach him and caress him to make him un- 
derstand that he has done what you wished him to do; re- 
peat this a few timtes and he will follow after you wher- 
ever you go, and you have him virtually halter broke 
before you put a halter on him, but now have a good 



i 3 8 

leather halter that will fit his head nicely and comfort- 
ably, put it on him and lead him about, turning him 
first one way and then another until he becomes used to 
the halter, then tie him and walk away, leaving him 
alone for a while and he, by having become used to yield- 
ing to the pressure of the halter while you were leading 
him, will hardly ever try to pull loose; he may now be 
handled a little every day, lead him to water each day 
until he becomes thoroughly acquainted with you and 
your mode of handling him. Keep him gentle by fre- 
quent handling and when he is old enough to work he 
will have becom/e so accustomed to being handled he will 
very seldom resist you if he understands your wishes. 
How to Manage the Wild or Vicious Horse. 
This is a question of much import to people generally, 
as there are such vast numbers of horses sold throughout 
the United States that have been raised on the western 
ranges; they are, many of them, getting quite old before 
they are ever handled and they are, of course, very wild, 
and unless properly handled they exhibit such a - degree 
of viciousness that they are seldom made trustworthy ; 
but if properly managed are perfectly kind and tractable. 
If we have such an animal to contend with, we place him 
in an enclosure the same as we would the colt and of 
course when we enter it with him he is almost wild with 
fright, and we must be very quiet with him, tap him 
gently around the hind legs with your whip and when 
he turns the head to you step gently toward him with 
one hand extended, always remembering to keep the 
hand perfectly quiet, so as to avoid frightening him 
any more than you are compelled to do ; if he turns 



'39 



away - d0 "<**>« to use the wh i p as d - . . 

«» <»ms hack; ,„ m . attempt to ' !K ' VC, ' y 

and "he, V o„ onee «i , ffa '" aPpr0ach '"'"'• 

■»*» «":;" *;: n on hi :- rubhimuntii 

<i"ick,%ht .strokes When L '"' h '' m emtl y w "h 
cumstanees, rub eentlv , qu ' ct under th «e cir- 

'-"< '« and £ hTc'LoX r he t h-s° Ul t er d ° W " °" «* 
"'• shoulder and work back " \ , , '™ to thc n eck 
quietl * ""til you can rub / ^ *"* repeatin <r 'his 

D ,« be impafent bur ar d ° W " t0 "''« foot 

is P«fc«l y : l "™ t y™ -esses unti, he 

'"'* ° l excitemen Now! ^ " le eyes ,osc «■<-•'> 

,,„„ (o com ■ Now t away from h . n] aad 

%htly with the whip bind , e . Tu*™ tOUCh him 
""™< von, connnan d ; t :':° l " d he m ake « move 

a "« «Peaf your caresses T P ' g ° " P '° him l^y 
"""' he win b.how "Tin 1 " r^' "" ° pcratio " 
very careful to avoid Jn Y f' rt:CUo "- Always be 

-a, as that wou^^Si^, ^ ab ° Ut "" 
~7 r ehe„d your wishes toward m " VZ ""f """ 
to 'earn him/ the mean.™ „* ., e next s 'ep is 

a' the same time to arn t th \ Com ' n < u "' *> stop, Ll 
command; the tatter™, ' hat " e mUst ob ey that 

" dh »o other , h ;rt T h " im in ma " y «">» 
g° either ahead or s Td ewa ° r ^'^ aS he ca n 

have a mechanical advfn^' , COnse <mentIy, we must 

<■""»*■' him to stop iSt wb reby W may at oncc 
and for this purpose " y " e ' S com ™anded, 

'""-"-'- ^' :,.:,;':;;,,: ,ea : her bc,t ' made *» 

"nder the belly i s fort w\ T* '" tended to w °rk 



140 

a ring two or three inches in diameter to the center and 
crossways of the strap on what will be the outside when 
placed on the horse; secure one eight inches distant on 
each side of the first one, but place them longways of the 
strap. Now take another strap three feet in length and 
make it to buckle to the first one at each end. Then have 
two small straps long enough to go around the front limb 
between the hoof and the fetlock joint; put them quietly 
in place and buckle them ; pass a small rope through one 
of the outside rings in the belt, down through the ring at 
the foot (on the same side), bring it up and pass through 
the center ring, now down through the ring at the other 
foot, then up through and tie in the outside ring in the 
belt. It now assumes the shape of the letter "w." Now 
by taking hold of the loose end of the rope you may stop 
him immediately by bringing a few pounds of pressure 
on the rope. Always give him the command to stop and 
at the same time pull the rope ; if he does not immediately 
obey, his feet are taken up and he falls on his knees, but 
the feet being pulled straight up, there is no danger 
straining the animal in any way. Hold him until he be- 
comes quiet, then go to him and caress and reassure him, 
so that he will understand that when you command him 
to stop he must do so and keep quiet, and that when he 
does this he will be protected and kindly treated; when 
he is in this condition, handle him all over, but do it 
quietly and gently. Should he make any vicious move- 
ments, pull the rope and let him fall; he soon sees that 
the only danger he incurs is by trying to get away and 
he is soon perfectly quiet; wrap the rope all about the 
hind legs and if he resists it in any way, pull the rope 



141 

and again let him fall to his knees. Keep repeating this 
until he will stand it and be perfectly quiet. Yon may 
now safely mount him, but always keep a firm hold of 
the rope; jump onto him quietly, then get down; repeat 
tin's two or three times, for he purpose of getting him 
accustomed to your motion and appearance on his back. 
Should he move, command him to stop and at the same 
time pull the rope ad compel him to do so. Now have 
an assistant to take the whip and step in front of him 
and tell him to come; he will start off to follow the as- 
sistant, and when he gets to moving quietly you may 
safely get down and take off all of the hampers and ride 
him without avthing on him. He is now perfectly gentle 
in the enclosure, but if you take him outside to ride, he 
may conclude he is at liberty and try to get away, and it 
should be the object of the trainer never to allow he ani- 
mal to gain a point, and for this reason it is always ad- 
visable to have the belt and foot rope on him when first 
taken out; ride him a short distance with this on, and if 
he shows any disposition whatever to pitch, remember 
to command him to stop and at the same time pull the 
rope and compel him to obey the command. He soon 
understands that you can control him as well outside as 
in, and he will not again attempt it. When you harness 
him and hitch him to a buggy or wagon, he is more than 
likely to become frightened at the rattle of the vehicle, 
and if he attempts to get away, control him just as you 
did in riding, but never fail to go to him and reassure him 
when he becomes quiet. He will soon be so you can take 
all off but his harness and drive him with safety; he has 
come to the conclusion that while you are his master in 



142 

all respects, you are his protector in all things, if he 
does not attempt to get away from you, and he is then 
punished by his efforts to leave you. If you have hitched 
him alone he will not know what you expect of him, and 
you must show him. In order to do this, step up to his 
shoulders, take hold of the collar and push him gently 
from you and then pull him toward you ; get him to move 
in this way, then step out in front of him and tell him 
to come and he will follow } r ou. When he sees that you 
wish him to go and to pull, he is willing to do so and you 
may gradually drop back and at the same time guide the 
animal by use of the lines. Should he attempt to turn 
around, do not try to hold him by steady pulling on the 
line, for if you do he will simply turn the head and go 
the way he started in spite of all your efforts to the con- 
trary, but if you will pull the line with a quick, light jerk 
and let it loose, he will almost invariably obey it. Should 
you hitch him by the side of another horse (which is 
always advisable) be very quiet in starting him off, for 
he is unaccustomed to loading and if the collar should be 
pulled suddenly upon his neck, he is more than likely to 
resist it, and pull backward and throw himself. Should 
he do this, do not try to force him to get up while he is 
hitched, for if he finds himself hampered he will not try 
to get up; go quietly and unhitch the traces, lines and 
breast-yoke, so that there will be nothing to hinder him. 
Now command him to get up, and if he does not do so, 
strike him lightly on the end of the nose with a light, 
keen whip and he will jump to his feet now refasten the 
breast-yoke and lines ; start the gentle horse toward the 
young one and get him on a circle; turn them first one 



143 

way and then the other; if the young horse does riot 
move fast enough, tap him lightly with the whip, until 
you can move him in any direction. You may then 
hitch him, 1 again to the wagon and drive him off with- 
out any trouble. Never load too heavily when your ani- 
mal is unaccustomed to work; if you are in no hurry for 
the services of the horse, a good plan to accustom him to 
pulling is to put the harness on him and place him in a 
stall where he cannot turn around. Have a post set in 
the ground directly behind him, with an open pulley 
about three feet from the ground. Now attach a sin- 
gletree to the traces; have a rope attached to its center; 
run the rope over the pulley and fasten two or three hun- 
dred pounds to the end of it ; tie the animal to the manger 
with a halter long enough to allow him to step back until 
the weight on the end of the rope will rest on the ground ; 
place his feed and water in the manger and go away and 
leave him alone ; after a while he gets to reaching after 
the feed ; he finds he can move the weight and he raises it 
and stands and holds it while he eats; thus gradually be- 
coming used to the pressure of the collar and when you 
see he lifts this weight readily, keep adding more from 
time to time until at the end of a few days your horse has 
learned to draw a heavy load and he has learned it so 
gradually and quietly, he does not realize that he is 
working, and when you hitch him up he does not chafe 
and fret about the pressure on his shoulders and if you 
wish to stop him in going up hill with a loaded wagon, 
he will stand and hold it; something he learned while 
holding the weight in the stall. 



144 

How to Manage the Runaway Horse. 

We handle him just as we do the wild horse in the first 
place; we then put our belt and foot rope on him and 
hitch him, and when we tell him to stop we compel him 
to do so or fall, until no difference how fast his speed, 
he will stop instantly at the command and stand perfectly 
quiet until commanded to go on. The horse that is in- 
clined to shy and become frightened at every object he 
sees, is treated in the same manner; we frighten him with 
anything that will accomplish the purpose, but keep hold 
of the rope and if he tries to run, command him to stop 
and at the same time pull on the rope and let him fall and 
when he becomes quiet, caress him. Keep on repeating 
these maneuvers until he learns that the only danger to 
him is in trying to get away; that when he keeps quiet 
you always protect him and treat him kindly ; you thus 
gain the confidence of the horse and as long as you arp 
with him he feels no fear ; sometimes we have a horst 
that is a good saddle animal if we can mount him, but 
the moment we attempt this he will spring away and it 
is almost impossible to get into the saddle, for such a 
horse we simply put the belt and foot rope on him and 
hold the rope when we wish to mpunt and when ho 
makes his spring we drop him to his knees ; repeat this 
a few times and he will never try that trick again. 

How to Manage the Kicking Horse. 

Handle the animal in the first place as we direct to han- 
dle the wild or running horse ; when you have the belt 
and foot rope on him, place a strap with ring, on the 
hind feet in the manner directed for casting, now have a 



U5 

half-inch cotton rope twenty-five or thirty feet in length, 
double it in the middle and tie a square knot to form a 
loop six or eight inches long, now tie another knot eigh- 
teen or twenty inches from the first, according to the 
length of the animal's head, slip the first loop into the 
month and around the upper jaw so the knot will rest 
against the front of the nose, bring the rope it]) between 
the ears and let the other knot rest on the top of the head 
just behind the ears, bring one end down on one side of 
the head and the other end on the other side, bring the 
two together under the throat and twist them two or 
three times together, now bring one end through the loop 
that goes in the mouth and the other end through the 
loo]) on the other side of the mouth, always bring them 
th rough from the back side of the loop. This is what we 
call our kicking bridle (by the way, it is the best bridle 
we can use for handling the young horse) ; pass the end 
of the rope back through the upper ring of the belt on 
the same side and back through the ring at the hind foot 
and fasten it; arrange the rope on the opposite side in 
the same manner; it is now the object to compel the ani- 
mal to kick and let him see the evil of it. The surest 
way to accomplish this is to pass a rope around the 
flanks in a noose and pull it quickly; this will cause the 
animal to kick violently and every time he does he gets 
the effect on the front of the nose; it does not hurt the 
month, as the rope runs straight through ; thus throwing 
the pressure on the nose. When he ceases to kick at this, 
pass the rope between the hind legs and pull it about the 
legs, continue this treatment until he will not kick at 
anything, then remove the kicking bridle, but retain the 



146 

belt and front foot rope and allow him to walk about ; 
at the same time draw the rope about the flanks and hind 
legs. Should he attempt to kick pull the belt rope and let 
him fall ; continue this until he will not attempt it under 
any circumstances, then when lie has ceased kicking, go 
to him and caress and treat him kindly, thus making 
him understand that when he kicks he is always pun- 
ished by his own actions and when he does not, he is pro- 
tected. There is hardly any horse that will ever again 
attempt to kick under any circumstances, but should the 
animal be extrordinarily vicious, it is advisable to repeat 
the process in a day or two. After that he is safe any- 
where ; but always, as in the case of wild horses!, hitch 
him up at the commencement with the belt and foot rope, 
as he is liable to think when you take him out of the 
enclosure he is at liberty and it is our object to never aU 
low him to gain a single point in disobedience of our 
wishes. Should he possibly make an effort to kick, pull 
the foot rope and let him fall, and he at once sees it is 
worse than folly, but this is not always convenient and 
we must have a means of preventing the animal from 
kicking. In such cases secure an iron ring to the crup- 
per strap just where the hip straps come across the hips, 
put on what is called a gag ring bridle, in other words, a 
bridle having loops on each side of the head-stall used 
to pass the bridle reins through, now take a small rope 
and secure one end to the ring of the bit, run the other 
end through the loop at the top of the bridle and back 
through the line ring on the back band, then through the 
ring on he crupper strap ; put another rope on the oppo- 
site side in the same manner; bring the end of the first 



147 

one down across the hip to the shaft on the same side, the 
other side in the same manner; now draw the animal's 
head as high as he can carry it and travel conveniently, 
and secure the ropes to the shafts, being careful to have 
the shafts well fastened down in front and it is impossi- 
ble for the animal to kick up and hit the vehicle, as it is 
absolutely necessary for the animv.1 to be able to throw 
the head down in order to raise the hind parts, and the 
ropes running from the bit up through the loops at the 
top of he bridle and back through the stationary ting at 
the hips, and the shafts being fastened down so they 
cannot raise, as a matter of course if the animal attempts 
to raise the hind parts, the ropes are pulled right hrough 
the ring and the result is that the head nrust raise up in- 
stead of dropping and the animal finds it impossible to 
raise up to kick. He can kick back with one foot at a 
time, but cannot kick high enough to hit the buggy or do 
any damage whatever. 

How to Manage the Balky Horse. 

This is something that requires some knowledge of the 
nature of the animal and some knowledge of the reasons 
for the difficulty in order to successfully overcome the 
habit. In the first place, there are various causes for this 
habit, sometimes it is the result of overloading and then 
trying to compel he animal to do what is not in his power 
to do, at other times the animal chafes and frets on ac- 
count of injudicious management in other ways, such as 
jerking, whipping, etc.; and after the animal has learned 
that by a little resistance (even after he fully comprehends 
what you wish him to do), he will not attempt it; he will 



148 

obey you under ordinary circumstances, but when you 
place him under difficulties he absolutely refuses to obey 
you ; he has conceived the idea that you cannot compel 
km to move; well it must be our aim to teach him that, 
no difference how great the difficulty, he must obey or at 
least make the attempt and we must also dispel the idea 
that we are unable to move him ; in the first place, we 
handle him just the same as the wild one or the kicker, 
that is learn him to follow at our bidding and to do it 
promptly with no hesitation whatever.. When this is ac- 
complished we must place him under difficulties and learn 
him prompt obedience in that ; in order to do this, we put 
the kicking bridle on him in the same manner we do with 
the kicker, only we tie the head back very close and make 
it almost impossible for him to travel at all ; we now step 
in front of him with the whip and command him to come. 
If he refuses, we throw the whip back around the hind 
[.arts until he will come and come promptly and without 
the aid of the whip. You may now remove all of the 
rigs and hitch him up and he is ready to obey any com- 
mand you give him, if he understands it, and this is one 
he does understand, but did not wish to obey. There 
is not one case in a hundred where he will again refuse 
after having been subjected to this treatment, but if he 
should possibly do so, unhitch him and replace the kick- 
ing bridle, tie him still shorter, be more severe and make 
him more prompt in his obedience and he will never re- 
fuse again unless he is abused and forced into rebellion. 

We cannot always have the means at our command to 
do this, as we are liable to buy or trade for a balky horse 
at a nytime and we must be able to drive him to our desti- 



149 

nation and unless wc convince him that we are able to 
compel him to move without any exertion upon our own 
part, we will fail to drive him. All we have to do in order 
to accomplish this is to unhitch him and take him to a 
piece of level ground, tie a knot in the tail, run the bridle 
or halter rein through the knot and draw the head around 
to one side and fasten it there and when you let loose of 
him, the position in which he stands will compel him to 
turn around in a circle ; if he does not move fast enough, 
tap him with the whip occasionally ; he will probably fall 
in a few minutes, but if he does, he will fall the opposite 
way from which his head is turned and will do himself 
no injury. He knew what you wished him to do, but did 
not wish to do it, and thought you were unable to com- 
pel him to move, but you have shown him coclusively 
that you can make him do so, and he would rather move 
in any other way than the one in which you have com 
pellcd him to do, and when you unfasten him and al- 
low him to get up, he is more than willing, he is anxious 
to go in any direction you wish him, rather than submit 
to the same process again; you may subject him to tins 
treatment today and you may have to repeat it tomorrow, 
but when the animal learns that every time he refuses to 
go he will be treated in the same manner, he will give 
you no further trouble. This works equally as well 
whether the animal balks either in single or double har- 
ness, or under the saddle. There is another method we 
have of starting the balky horse in double harness and 
that is to take a small seagrass rope about three-six- 
teenths of an inch in diameter, double it in the middle and 
put it under the tail, cross the two ends over the back, 



i5o 

bring them forward through the rings at the loggerhead 
to keep them in place and tie them to the end of the 
•tongue, having the balky horse a little in advance of his 
fellow, now start the true horse quickly and this brings 
the pressure to bear underneath the tail, where he can 
stand but little pressure and he immediately moves on 
and being in the lead is compelled to pull; he may at- 
tempt to kick, but in order to do so, is compelled to 
slacken his pace, which is the worst thing he could at- 
tempt, as it makes the punishment more severe, which 
he very soon learns, and he will get up in the collar and 
remain there as long as the rope is on him ; two or three 
days work with it will effectually break any horse of the 
habit of balking. 

In order to break the horse from pulling at the halter, 
we use the rope in the same way, except we run the ends 
through the rings of the bridle bits or the halter and tie 
by the ends of the rope, and when he runs back he is 
taken by surprise, as well as being caused considerable 
pain, and he quickly jumps forward, when the pressure 
is relieved ; he may try this two or three times and wheu 
he finds the punishment is inevitable when he pulls, 
and relief is certain if he does not, he cannot under, 
any circumstances be induced to again attempt it; but 
always try him both in the barn and out of it, and 
you will cure him of this unprofitable prank. By the 
same process you can lead the colt or wildest horse, and 
when broken to lead in this way, he will always lead 
promptly, without having to be pulled along by sheer 
force. 



15* 

How to Manage the Jumping Horse. 

The jumping horse may be effectually broken of the 
habit by placing about the body a strap, then place upon 
each foot, in front and behind, a small strap with ring 
attached, take a small rope, tie to the ring of front foot, 
pass hack between the body and strap, and tie to the 
ring at hind foot on same side, leaving no slack in the 
rope when the horse stands naturally; then arrange the 
other side in the same way ; he can now walk or trot with 
perfect freedom, from the fact that in both gaits he moves 
the hind and front foot on one side simultnemously, but 
he cannot run or jumjp, because he moves both front feet 
together, thus throwing the hind feet at an angle back- 
ward and increasing the distance from one to the other 
and instead of being able to throw the front feet forward, 
the ropes draw the front feet back and up to the strap 
around he body, and brings him to his knees, a few efforts 
Will make him afraid to attempt it. If he is inclined to. 
push the fence down, put the girth on in the same man- 
ner as before, place a halter on his head, bring the halter 
rein between the front legs and through the girth, cany 
it back to one hind foot and tie in strap previously placed 
upon it, drawing his head low enough to prevent putting 
it over the fence, he will not push it with his head and 
being unable to get the head over to push with the breast, 
he ma}- attempt to jump, but as in the other case, if he 
attempts to rear up the hind foot to which the head is 
tied must assume the backward angle and pulls the head 
down, thus effectually preventing either pushing or jump- 
ing:. 



i5 2 
How to Teach a Horse to Drive Without Bridle or Lines. 

First, carry him through the same course advised in the ; 
handling of the wild horse; learn him; strict obedience, 
especially to the command to stop, and to do it instantly; 
then by the use of the lines, learn him to follow the mo- 
tion of the whip or the hand, continue this until he learns 
it perfectly; then hitch him to a two-wheeled cart, having 
the belt and foot ropes on him ; drive him about,, guiding 
him by the motion of the whip in any direction you 
choose. Be very thorough in all your discipline ; then re- 
move bridle and lines, but still retain the belt and foot 
rope; should he show the least disposition to run, or 
disobey when commanded to stop, pull the rope and bring 
him to his knees. Be sure of absolute and certain obedi- 
ence before you remove the belt and ropes. Remember 
to be thorough and do not be in too much of a hurry, for 
in this feat very much depends on how well you have 
learned him his lesson of obedience. Learn him to be 
ridden without bridle, in the same way. 

How to Teach Him to Lie Down. 

Put the belt and foot rope on him ; take up the foot on 
the opposite side from you; hold it up by tightening the 
rope; tap him on the leg next to you with a whip or 
switch, until he moves the foot, then tighten the rope and 
pick up the foot and hold it. This brings him to his 
knees ; hold him in that position until he drops the hind 
parts. Then caress and reward him; let him up and re- 
peat the lesson. Continue this from day to day, and you 
soon teach him to lie down by tapping him on the leg and 
giving the command. By a little further perseverence, he 



J 53 



will readily obey the command without the use of the 
switch or whip. 

How to Teach Him to Kneel for You to Mount. 

Pursue the same course, except that you must not keep 

i»n on his knees long enough to make him lie entirely 

down. A 

How to Teach Him to Sit on His Haunches. 

First, teach him to obey instantly the command to 
M-op; then make him lie down; then make him get up on 
the front feet and command him to stop; should he not 
do so, place a strap with ring attached around each hind 
Pastern joint; have a rope with loop in the muddle, slip 
oop over Ins head, bring the ends back and run one end 
through the ring at one hind foot and the other end 
through the ring at the opposite foot and back through 
the loop at the neck. Now step behind him with the 
ends of the rope in your hand and command him to ffe t 
up when he gets the front feet out ready to raise The 
hind parts, command him to stop and at the same in- 
stant pul your rope sufficiently tight to keep him from 
raising the hind parts. Keep repeating until he learns to 
do your wishes at your command. 

How to Teach Him to Answer Questions by Motions of 

the Head. 

If you wish an affirmative answer to any question you 
may ask him, prick him on the breast with a pin or needle 
and he will nod the head in the direction of the annoy- 
ance; when he does this, caress him and show him that 'is 
what you wish him to do; continue these maneuvers 



i£4 

until he wiL nod the head by the movement of the hand 
in the direction of the breast. If you wish a negative an- 
swer, prick him about the point where the collar would 
strike the top of the neck, and he will shake the head to 
rid himself of the annoyance. Continue as long as nec- 
essary to learn him what is expected of him, and you may 
learn him to give an affirmative or a negative answer, 
just as you choose, by any sign or movement of the hand, 
provided you always give him the same sign for the same 
answer. 

If the principles herein laid down are always employed, 
the horse may be taught any trick that he is physically 
able to perform. 



:4fc 






INDEX TO CONTENTS. 



ABDOMINAL DROPSY 35-112 

Peritonitis 112 

Age of the Horse 129 

Big Head or Osteo Porosis 125 

BLADDER— Diseases of 75 

Inflammation of 76 

BOWELS— Diseases of 19 

Calculi of Intestines 24 

Colic, Flatulent 21 

Colic, Spasmodic 19 

Colon. Impaction of 2'J 

Constipation 23 

Diarrhoea 2!>. 

Dysentery— Bloody Flux 31 

Enteritis 26 

Intussusception 25- 

Piles— Haemorrhoids 32 

Volvulus 2<; 

Worms 32 

BRAIN, Diseases of 59f 

Blind Staggers 63 

Coma, Sleepy Staggers 66 

Congestion of Megrims 61 

Meningitis 03 

Paralysis 67-115 

Sunstroke 62 

CHEST, Diseases of 45 

Asthma 54 

Cough 56 

Dropsy 53 

Heaves 54 

Thumps— Spasm of the Diaphragm 46 



156 

Pleurisy 51 

Pneumonia 47 

)IAGNOSTlC SIGNS— Breathing 6 

Pulse 3 

Temperature 5 

DISTEMPER 124 

EYE, Diseases of the 77 

Amaurosis 82 

Conjunctivitis 78 

Lachrymal Duct 77 

Ophthalmia, External 78 

Ophthalmia. Internal 79 

Ophthalmia, Periodic 80 

FEVER, Catarrhal or Typhoid— Influenza 117 

Fever, Lung or Pneumonia 47 

Fistula, or Quittor of the Foot 90 

Fistula of the Withers 108 

. Glanders, Acute ... 121 

TE ART, Diseases of the 50 

^Endocarditis , , - , 58 

Pericarditis ,.. 50 

i- Influenza. Typhoid or Catarrhal Fever 117 

% Lameness ( 82 

\% 'Blood Spavin „ . ., ... 98 

Bog Spavin., ... . , 97 

Bone Spavin 88 

Oanteer of Feet * 85 

Capped Elbow . 101 

Capped Hock 101 

Capped Knee. . ( 102 

Cocked Ankles 103 

Contracted Feete 93 

Curb .'. .. .. 99 

Elbow Joint 100 

Founder , 93 

Gravel in Foot 84 

Grease Heel 108 



157 

Hip Joint 106 

Knee Spring 103 

Nail Wounds 93 

Navicular 96 

Pumiced Feet 96 

Quarter Crack 91 

Quitter or Fistula of the Foot 90 

Ringbone 86 

Rheumatism 116 

Scratches 107 

Seedy Toe -. .- 92 

Sidebone 97 

Shoulder Joint 104 

Splints 87 

Sprained Tendon 99 

Stifle Joint 104 

Stifle Joint, Dislocation of 105 

Thoroughpiu 98 

Thrush 96 

LARYNX and Trachea. Diseases of the 36 

Bronchitis 31 

'Bronchitis, Chronic 44 

Choking 41 

Roaring- 38 

Lockjaw or Tetanus lfo 

Lymphangitis i 67-68 

.Melanotic Tumors 110 

.Miscellaneous Formulas 129 

MOUTH, Diseases of the 6 

Paraylsis of the Pharynx 7 

Pharyngitis 7 

Ptyalism 6 

Salivation <> 

Nasal (Jleete. Catarrh 113 

OESOPHAGUS, Diseases of the 8 

Osteo Porosis or Big Head 125 

Poll Evil 109 



158 

Rabies, Hydrophobia 123 

Rheumatic Fever 116 

Sitfast 110 

Spavin Blood , 98 

Spavin, Bog 97 

Spavin. Hon* 88 

Strangles 124 

STOMACH. Diseases of the 13 

Bots . . 19 

Calculi 24 

Rupture of 7 17 

Surfeit.. .. Ill 

System of Training 136-154 

URINARY ORIGANS, Diseases of the 70 

Congestion of the Kidneys 70 

Inflammation of the Kidneys. . . 72 

Chronic Inflammation of the Kidneys 73 

Watts 110 



FEB 19 1903 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 







